Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer II

Impulse Space; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision & dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Long-term incentives in stock options

Job summary

A leading aerospace company located in Redondo Beach is seeking a Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer responsible for all aspects of propulsion system design, testing, and analysis. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in engineering or science, along with over three years of experience in aerospace propulsion. Competitive salary ranges from $110,000 to $160,000 per year, with additional opportunities for stock options and benefits.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field.
• Familiarity with NASA and DoD spaceflight propulsion specifications.
• Ability to operate complex test systems including vacuum pumps.

Responsibilities

• Own all aspects of in-house propulsion system design and analysis.
• Conduct testing to ensure hardware performance meets intent.
• Work with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver high-performance systems.

Skills

Bipropellant rocket propulsion systems

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Hands-on experience with test systems

Project ownership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

CAD software

Fluids analysis tools such as SINDA/FLUINT

Job description

Compensation: $110,000 - $160,000 / year

Department: Propulsion

Location: Redondo Beach

Description

As a Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer 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 Impulse’s in‑space propulsion system elements including bipropellant thrusters, valves, and pressure components
• Conduct analysis and testing to ensure that the performance and function of hardware meets intent
• Create and execute development, acceptance and qualification test campaigns
• Perform on‑orbit mission support including flight data reviews and anomaly resolution
• Perform mission specific analysis and risk assessments and communicate to program stakeholders
• Work with wide‑ranging teams across engineering, manufacturing and operations to deliver a reliable, high‑performance and highly integrated system
• Resolve technical issues with innovative resourceful solutions

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
• 3+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field
• Prior 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
• Hands‑on experience working with fluid, mechanical, electrical and controls systems
• Ability to operate complex test systems including vacuum pumps and vacuum chambers
• Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working collaboratively with small teams

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
• Prior experience working in lead roles on ground test or flight propulsion systems
• Prior 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
• Proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new tools
• 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 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.