Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

Impulse Space; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, Vision & Dental

401(k) retirement plan

Long-term incentives

Job summary

Impulse Space in Mojave is seeking a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to lead liquid rocket propulsion test operations and collaborate with a fast-paced, agile team. You will design, build, and operate test stands, own test stand development, and mentor junior engineers while solving complex propulsion challenges.

Ideal candidates have 6+ years in hardware development testing, strong thermal/structural/fluids fundamentals, and hands-on aerospace test facility experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related field.
• 6+ years of professional experience in hardware development testing.
• Strong fundamentals in thermal, structural, and fluids analysis.
• Hands-on operational experience with aerospace test facilities.
• Experience owning test stand design and build‑up.
• Ability to create and communicate fluid P&IDs, electrical and controls schematics.
• Ability to identify and procure appropriate test equipment.
• Proficient with data acquisition and control methods.
• Proven ability to take ownership and work in small teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct test operations of liquid rocket propulsion hardware.
• Perform test setup, hardware inspections, checkouts and troubleshooting.
• Create, modify, and optimize test sequences and procedures.
• Improve operational efficiency through process upgrades and new hardware solutions.
• Design and build clean sheet fluid, mechanical and electrical systems for high-rate testing.
• Resolve technical issues with innovative and resourceful solutions.
• Mentor early career engineers.

Skills

Hardware development testing

Data acquisition

Controls & instrumentation

Test stand operations

Small team collaboration

Education

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

Tools

LabVIEW

NI data acquisition systems

Job description

Compensation: $180,000 - $220,000 / year

Department: Assembly, Integration & Test

Location: Mojave

Description

As a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for liquid rocket propulsion test operations while working closely with a fast paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft from clean sheet designs. The Propulsion Test Team at Impulse Space is responsible for designing, building, and operating world class test stands to support the development and production of engines and propulsion components that will serve in Impulse’s goal of pioneering the future of in-space transportation. This team is located at the Mojave Air & Space Port which is home to many firsts in air and space development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct test operations of liquid rocket propulsion hardware
• Perform test setup, hardware inspections, checkouts and troubleshooting
• Create, modify, and optimize test sequences and procedures
• Improve operational efficiency through process upgrades and implementation of new hardware solutions
• Design and build clean sheet fluid, mechanical and electrical systems in support of high-rate testing
• Resolve technical issues with innovative and resourceful solutions
• Mentor early career engineers

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related field
• 6+ years of professional experience in hardware development testing
• Strong engineering fundamentals in thermal, structural, and fluids analysis
• Prior hands‑on operational experience working with aerospace test facilities
• Demonstrated experience owning 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

• 8+ years of professional experience in hardware development testing
• Experience working with complex systems including cryogenic propellants, high pressure gas systems, hydraulics and/or combustion devices
• Working knowledge of components (valves, regulators, sensors, power supplies) and hands‑on skills (tube fabrication, metalworking, wiring)
• Experience in a startup or agile development environment
• Experience with NI or other data acquisition systems such as LabVIEW

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.

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.