Propulsion Technician (Fluids/Valves)

Impulsespace; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 55,104 - 68,880; Full time

Job summary

Impulse Space is seeking a Propulsion Technician (Fluids/Valves) in Boulder County to join our manufacturing team. You will assemble, test, inspect, and document high‑reliability valves and related fluid components used in spaceflight hardware on aggressive timelines.

The role emphasizes hands‑on work, meticulous attention to detail, and collaboration with engineering, QA, and test teams. A strong background in mechanical assembly and aerospace handling is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; technical certification or associate degree preferred.
• 5+ years of hands-on mechanical assembly experience in high‑reliability industries.
• Proficiency with hand tools, torque tools, calipers, micrometers, and basic measurement equipment.
• Experience building and commissioning GSE such as pressure test and leak check panels.
• Experience with pressure systems, leak detection methods, or test setups.
• Experience troubleshooting instrumented test articles.

Responsibilities

• Asseble valve components and sub‑assemblies to drawings and travelers.
• Perform precision fitting, torquing, sealing, and alignment of components.
• Clean, prep, and handle parts per aerospace cleanliness standards.
• Conduct functional checks, leak checks, and basic pressure testing per procedures.
• Identify, document, and communicate non‑conformances or build issues.
• Accurately complete build records, travelers, and quality documentation.
• Work with engineers, quality, and test teams to resolve build issues.
• Support continuous improvement in tooling, processes, and assembly flow.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Support hardware rework, troubleshooting, and root‑cause investigations as needed.
• Learn and comply with ESD, FOD, and clean‑room practices as required.
• Operate and maintain pneumatic and hydraulic test equipment.
• Assemble instrumented test articles with pressure transducers, thermocouples, and flow meters.
• Collect and record data using DAQ systems.
• Conduct leak testing in various fluid systems.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Attention to detail

Reading engineering drawings

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical certification or associate degree preferred

Tools

Torque tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Basic measurement equipment

Pressure test panels

Job description

Propulsion Technician (Fluids/Valves)

Department: Manufacturing

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Boulder County

Compensation: $40.00 - $50.00 / hour

Description

As a Propulsion Technician at Impulse, you will be responsible for the precision assembly, testing, inspection, and documentation of high‑reliability valves and related fluid components used in spaceflight hardware. This role is hands‑on, detail‑oriented, and critical to delivering flight‑worthy hardware on aggressive timelines.

Responsibilities

• Assemble mechanical valve components and sub‑assemblies to engineering drawings, work instructions, and travelers
• Perform precision fitting, torquing, sealing, and alignment of components
• Clean, prep, and handle parts in accordance with aerospace cleanliness standards
• Conduct functional checks, leak checks, and basic pressure testing per procedures
• Identify, document, and communicate non‑conformances or build issues
• Accurately complete build records, travelers, and quality documentation
• Work closely with engineers, quality, and test teams to resolve build issues
• Support continuous improvement efforts in tooling, processes, and assembly flow
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area
• Support hardware rework, troubleshooting, and root‑cause investigations as needed
• Learn and comply with ESD, FOD, and clean‑room practices as required
• Operate and maintain pneumatic and hydraulic test equipment
• Assemble instrumented test articles with pressure transducers, thermocouples, and flow meters
• Collect and record data using DAQ systems
• Conduct leak testing in various fluid systems

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical certification or associate degree preferred
• 5+ years of hands‑on mechanical assembly experience (aerospace, automotive, medical devices, or similar high‑reliability industries)
• Proficiency with hand tools, torque tools, calipers, micrometers, and basic measurement equipment
• Demonstrated building and commissioning GSE (ground support equipment) such as pressure test and leak check panels, including hand bending, routing and fitting tubing
• Demonstrated experience with pressure systems, leak detection methods, or test setups
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting instrumented test articles

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 6+ years of demonstrated aerospace or spaceflight hardware assembly experience
• 6+ years of demonstrated experience assembling valves, regulators, pumps, or fluid systems
• Familiarity with cleanliness standards (e.g., solvent cleaning, lint‑free handling)
• Experience with pressure systems, leak detection methods, or test setups
• Basic understanding of quality systems and configuration control
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety
• Experience working under AS9100 or similar quality frameworks

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.

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.