Staff Mechanical Systems Engineer (Spacecraft)

Impulse Space, Inc.; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision & dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Impulse Space in Redondo Beach is seeking a Staff Mechanical Systems Engineer to own design, analysis, build, test, and integration for Mira spacecraft missions. You will work across cross‑functional teams to scale from single-digit to tens of missions per year, blending mechanical and systems engineering expertise.

The role requires a BS in Mechanical Engineering with 6+ years in spacecraft mechanical design/analysis, CAD/GD&T proficiency, and collaboration across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 6+ years of experience designing and analyzing mechanical systems on spacecraft or similar vehicles.
• Strong knowledge of spacecraft components, subsystems, and systems.
• Proficiency with CAD software, assembly management, and GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary mechanical systems engineer for multiple missions from proposal to flight.
• Collaborate with other departments to define mission configurations for RF, avionics, propulsion, GNC, and operations.
• Design, analyze, build, and test mechanical accommodations for payloads with varying requirements.
• Lead reviews to ensure requirements are tracked, met, and verified.
• Interface with mission management and customers across the program lifecycle.
• Coordinate with partner teams to create a high-performing, integrated system.

Skills

Systems engineering

Mechanical design

GD&T

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

NX

Teamcenter

Ansys

FEMAP

Job description

Staff Mechanical Systems Engineer (Spacecraft)

Department: Vehicle Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Redondo Beach

Compensation: $175,000 - $205,000 / year

Description

As a Staff Mechanical Systems Engineer at Impulse for our Vehicle Engineering Team, you will own all aspects of the design, analysis, build, test and integration of multiple missions for our Mira spacecraft – working with cross‑functional engineering teams to accomplish this. This role blends mechanical engineering and systems engineering to support a spacecraft that is scaling from single digit to 10s of missions per year.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary mechanical systems engineer for multiple missions from proposal to flight
• Work with all departments to define mission specific configurations associated RF, soft goods, avionics, propulsion, GNC, and mission operations.
• Design, analyze, build, and test the mechanical accommodations for payloads of varying requirements on each mission
• Optimize mission workflow across the vehicle engineering department to support an increased number of missions owned per engineer
• Hold and lead mission conceptual, preliminary, and critical design reviews to ensure all mission requirements are tracked, met, and verified
• Interface with mission management and customers during all phases of the program lifecycle
• Collaborate effectively with partner teams (such as avionics, software, test and GNC) to create a high performing, integrated system

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 6+ years demonstrated experience designing and analyzing mechanical systems on spacecraft or similar vehicles
• Strong knowledge of spacecraft components, subsystems, and systems
• Strong understanding of mechanics of materials, material failure modes, and associated analysis methods
• Proficiency with CAD software, assembly management, and GD&T
• Proficiency with analysis software and demonstrated experience analyzing mechanical components under varying environments and loading conditions
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively across different teams
• Ability to communicate technical challenges, explain rationale and/or resolve concerns

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 10+ years of demonstrated experience working as a mechanical engineer owning complex cross‑department systems
• Experience working on spacecraft programs ranging from proposal to flight
• Experience in a startup or agile development environment
• Experience with NX, Teamcenter, Ansys and FEMAP

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.