Propulsion Test Operations Engineer

Impulse Space; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical coverage

Vision & dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Impulse Space in Mojave, CA is seeking a Propulsion Test Operations Engineer to lead console operations for methane/liquid oxygen and other cryogenic propulsion tests. You will develop test procedures, configure test hardware, and coordinate with design engineers to improve future engine and ground support systems.

You will ensure safe test execution, plan development and qualification tests, and drive improvements in operational discipline and data analysis across the propulsion program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 1+ years designing, operating, maintaining, or commissioning mechanical/fluid systems.
• Fundamental understanding of mechanical, fluid, thermodynamics or propulsion engineering.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a console operator during test campaigns, monitoring systems and making real-time decisions.
• Plan and execute development, qualification, and acceptance tests for liquid rocket propulsion.
• Develop detailed test procedures, timelines, and configuration documentation.
• Configure readiness of propulsion hardware, test stands, instrumentation, and data systems.
• Improve procedures, automation sequences, and workflows for safety and cadence.
• Collaborate with design engineers to feed lessons learned into future designs.
• Participate in pre-test readiness reviews, hazard assessments, and post-test reviews.
• Maintain commitment to safety, discipline, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Propulsion testing

Test facility operations

Instrumentation

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Mechanical design basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Data acquisition systems

P&IDs interpretation

Cryogenic propulsion familiarity

Job description

Department: Assembly, Integration & Test

Location: Mojave

Compensation: $110,000 - $140,000 / year

Description

As a Propulsion Test Operations Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for operating propulsion test facilities at Impulse’s Propulsion Test Facility in Mojave, California. You’ll have the opportunity to work with test stands supporting methane/liquid oxygen and ethane/nitrous propulsion systems, high energy components, and integrated stages.

This role spans every phase of engine testing - from developing procedures and configuring test hardware to directing console operations, analyzing performance data, and improving future test campaigns.

Note: This position qualifies for a Mojave differential pay

Responsibilities

• Serve as a console operator during test campaigns, monitoring engine and facility systems and making informed real-time operational decisions to ensure safe and successful test execution
• Plan and execute development, qualification, and acceptance tests for liquid rocket propulsion systems
• Develop detailed test procedures, operational timelines, and configuration documentation to safely execute propulsion testing
• Configure and verify readiness of propulsion hardware, test stands, fluid systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems prior to testing
• Develop and improve operational procedures, automation sequences, and test workflows to increase safety, reliability, and test cadence
• Collaborate with design engineers to incorporate lessons learned into future engine, facility, and ground support equipment designs
• Participate in pre-test readiness reviews, hazard assessments, and post-test technical reviews
• Maintain a strong commitment to operational discipline, personnel safety, and continuous process improvement

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience designing, operating, maintaining, or commissioning complex mechanical or fluid systems
• Fundamental understanding of mechanical systems, fluid systems, thermodynamics, or propulsion engineering

Preferred Skills And Experience

• 3+ years of engineering experience
• Strong engineering fundamentals in Thermal Fluid Systems
• Familiarity with methane/liquid oxygen, liquid oxygen, liquid methane, or other cryogenic fluid systems
• Knowledge of instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, flow meters, load cells, valves, and data acquisition systems
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, and electrical schematics
• Strong troubleshooting skills with multidisciplinary mechanical, electrical, software, and fluid systems
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to perform effectively during high-intensity test operations

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.