Senior Development Test Engineer

Impulsespace; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Long-term incentives in stock options

Job summary

Impulsespace in Redondo Beach is looking for a Senior Development Test Engineer to design and build systems for liquid rocket propulsion testing. You'll own key test programs and collaborate with teams to ensure successful test operations. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's degree in engineering and over 5 years of hands-on testing experience in aerospace environments. The position includes competitive compensation of $110,000 - $180,000 annually, along with benefits like stock options and health coverage.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in hardware development testing.
• Prior hands-on operational experience working with aerospace test facilities.
• Demonstrated ownership of test stand design and build-up.

Responsibilities

• Design and build fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems for rocket propulsion testing.
• Fully own key test assets and coordinate with teams across the company.
• Perform test setup, inspections, and troubleshooting.

Skills

Strong engineering fundamentals in thermal, structural, and fluids analysis

Experience with aerospace test facilities

Ability to create P&IDs and electrical schematics

Proficient with data acquisition and control methods

Project ownership and teamwork ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Control systems

Job description

Senior Development Test Engineer

Department: Assembly, Integration & Test

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Redondo Beach

Reporting To: Kevin Miller, VP of Propulsion

Compensation: $110,000 - $180,000 / year

Description

As a Senior Development Test Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for all aspects of test equipment design and test operations while working closely with a fast paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft from clean sheet designs.

Responsibilities

• Design and build fluid, mechanical and electrical systems in support of liquid rocket propulsion and spacecraft systems testing
• Fully own key test assets and major test programs while collaborating with wide ranging teams across the company, including Redondo Beach and Mojave
• 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, aerospace, electrical engineering or related field
• 5+ years of experience in hardware development testing
• Strong engineering fundamentals in thermal, structural, and fluids analysis
• Prior hands‑on operational experience working with aerospace test facilities
• Previously demonstrated ownership of test stand design and build‑up
• Able to create and clearly communicate fluid P&IDs, electrical and controls schematics
• 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

• Demonstrated prior experience working with complex systems including cryogenic propellants, high pressure gas systems, hydraulics and/or combustion devices
• Demonstrated working knowledge of components (valves, regulators, sensors, power supplies) and hands‑on skills (tube fabrication, metalworking, wiring)
• Demonstrated hardware testing experience with rocket engines, or spacecraft
• 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.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 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.