Senior Engineer - Propulsion Systems

Impulsespace; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, Vision & Dental

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Impulse Space in Redondo Beach is seeking a Senior Engineer to own all aspects of propulsion system design, analysis, implementation and operation for in-house space vehicles. You will collaborate with a fast-paced, agile team to deliver high-performance propulsion hardware in clean-sheet designs.

The role requires leadership across system definition, testing, and on-orbit support, with hands-on experience in fluids, mechanical and electrical systems, and a strong bias toward practical, reliable

Qualifications

• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field.
• Demonstrated experience working on bipropellant rocket propulsion systems.
• Proficiency in fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanics and materials.
• Ability to perform system trades ranging from thermal-fluids analyses to materials selection.
• Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working collaboratively with small teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Responsible Propulsion Engineer for one of Impulse’s in-space propulsion systems, including bipropellant thrusters, pressure components and vessels.
• Drive propulsion system development and implementation including system requirements definition, design and analysis.
• Formulate schedules, track progress, and allocate resources.

Skills

5+ years experience

Bipropellant propulsion

Fluids thermodynamics

System trades

Project ownership

CAD software

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Senior Engineer - Propulsion Systems

Department: Propulsion

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Redondo Beach

Compensation: $140,000 - $190,000 / year

Description

As a Senior Engineer - Propulsion Systems at Impulse Space, 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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Responsible Propulsion Engineer for one of Impulse’s in-space propulsion systems, which includes bipropellant thrusters, pressure components and vessels
• Drive propulsion system development and implementation including:
• System requirements definition, design and analysis
• Schedule formulation, tracking, and resource allocation
• Hardware and software configuration definition
• Build and test work scope and order-of-operations
• Create and execute development, acceptance and qualification test campaigns
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies
• Perform on-orbit mission support including flight data reviews and anomaly resolution
• Work with wide-ranging teams across engineering, manufacturing, testing and operations to deliver a reliable, high-performance and highly integrated system
• Hands‑on experience designing, building and working with fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems
• Manage internal and external stakeholders to ensure system alignment and transparency
• Resolve technical issues with innovative resourceful solutions

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field
• Demonstrated experience working on bipropellant rocket propulsion systems
• 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
• Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working collaboratively with small teams

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering and 7+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field.
• Prior experience working on hardware development projects with cost and schedule constraints for key propulsion system design elements (thrusters, valves, and/or pressure vessels)
• Proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new tools
• Demonstrated experience in leading multiple projects for ground test and flight propulsion systems
• Create, modify and execute test sequences and procedures for high pressure development and flight hardware systems
• Demonstrated experience working with in-space propulsion systems including support of preflight mission analysis and on-orbit mission operations
• Familiarity with NASA and DoD standards regarding spaceflight propulsion specifications and standards
• Familiarity with a fluids analysis tools such as SINDA/FLUINT, GFSSP or similar
• Experience in a startup or agile development environment
• Experience working with saturated fluid systems

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.