Optical Test Engineer II

Impulsespace; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision & dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Long-term incentives in the form of stock options

Job summary

Impulsespace is seeking an Optical Test Engineer II in Redondo Beach, California. The role involves designing and building optical, mechanical, and electrical systems for spacecraft, along with conducting hardware inspections and troubleshooting.

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 3+ years of experience in hardware development testing. A strong foundation in engineering analysis and proficiency with data acquisition methods is essential. This full-time role offers a salary range of $115,000 - $165,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in hardware development testing.
• Strong engineering fundamentals in optical, mechanical, and electrical analysis.
• Proficient with data acquisition and control methods.

Responsibilities

• Design and build optical, mechanical, and electrical systems for spacecraft.
• Coordinate with vendors to meet project objectives.
• Perform hardware inspections and troubleshooting.

Skills

Optical engineering

Mechanical engineering

Electrical engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, optical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related field

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

Code V

Job description

Optical Test Engineer II

Department: Assembly, Integration & Test

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Redondo Beach

Compensation: $115,000 - $165,000 / year

Description

As an Optical Test Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for designing, procuring, assembling, and operating optomechanical test setups while working closely with a fast paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft from clean sheet designs.

Responsibilities

• Design and build optical, mechanical, and electrical systems in support of spacecraft optomechanical components
• Fully own key test assets and major test programs while collaborating with wide ranging teams across the company
• Coordinate with external vendors and contractors to meet project technical and schedule objectives
• Perform test setup, hardware inspections, checkouts and troubleshooting as needed
• Conduct test operations geared toward rapidly developing hardware for spaceflight
• Resolve technical issues with innovative and resourceful solutions

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, optical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related field
• 3+ years of experience in hardware development testing
• Strong engineering fundamentals in optical, mechanical, and electrical analysis
• Prior hands‑on operational experience working with test facilities
• Previously demonstrated ownership of test stand design and build‑up
• Able to identify and procure appropriate test equipment
• Proficient with data acquisition and control methods
• Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working well in small teams

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Advanced degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline
• 4+ years of experience in hardware development testing
• Demonstrated hardware testing experience with star trackers, cameras, lasers or other spacecraft optical components
• Experience with Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, or similar optical modeling tools
• Familiarity with environmental qualification testing for flight hardware
• Prior experience with optical alignment and precision metrology
• Experience in a startup or agile development environment

Additional Requirements

• Flexible schedule and willing to travel as needed

Additional Information

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full‑time hires, you may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.