Propulsion Development Engineer

Impulse Space; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision & dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Impulse Space in Redondo Beach is seeking a Propulsion Development Engineer to own all aspects of propulsion system design, analysis, implementation and operation, collaborating with a fast-paced, agile team that delivers high-performance spacecraft from clean sheet designs.

The role focuses on developing liquid propulsion systems, conducting analyses and tests, and planning engine hotfire and valve testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science required.
• Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer and mechanics.
• Hands-on experience with fluid, mechanical, electrical and controls systems.

Responsibilities

• Own propulsion component and/or subsystem development.
• Conduct analysis and testing to verify hardware performance.
• Plan and execute tests from engine hotfire to valve testing.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing and operations teams.
• Resolve technical issues with innovative solutions.
• Lead technical projects and own spaceflight hardware.

Skills

Fluids

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Mechanics

Materials

Controls systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Department: Propulsion

Location: Redondo Beach

Compensation: $95,000 - $135,000 / year

Description

As a Propulsion Development Engineer at Impulse, you will own all aspects of in-house propulsion system design, analysis, implementation and operation while working closely with a fast-paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft from clean sheet designs. Impulse is developing a variety of liquid propulsion systems and looking for development engineers who can contribute to key hardware development projects.

Responsibilities

• Own all aspects of propulsion component and/or subsystem development
• Conduct analysis and testing to ensure that the performance and function of hardware meets intent
• Prepare, plan and execute tests that may range from engine hotfire to valve functional testing.
• Work with wide-ranging teams across engineering, manufacturing and operations to deliver a reliable, high-performance and highly integrated system
• Resolve technical issues with innovative resourceful solutions
• Lead technical projects and own spaceflight hardware

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
• 2+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field
• Proficiency in basic principles of fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanics and materials
• Ability to perform system trades ranging from thermal-fluids analyses to materials selection
• Hands‑on experience working with fluid, mechanical, electrical and controls systems
• Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working collaboratively with small teams

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Experience working in fast‑paced, startup environment.
• Prior experience working on hardware development projects with cost and schedule constraints.
• Proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new tools
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

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.