Staff Propulsion Development Engineer (Thrusters)

Impulse Space; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision & dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Stock options

Job summary

Impulse Space is seeking a Senior Propulsion Development Engineer in Redondo Beach, CA to lead the design and testing of propulsion systems for spacecraft. This role involves ownership of all aspects of bipropellant thruster development while collaborating with a dynamic team.

The candidate should have extensive experience in the aerospace sector, particularly with rocket engines, and demonstrate project ownership. Excellent communication skills and proficiency in relevant engineering principles are essential. A competitive salary between $150,000 and $175,000 is offered, along with potential stock options and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in aerospace propulsion.
• Experience with bipropellant rocket engines and combustion devices.
• Hands-on work with fluid, mechanical, electrical, and controls systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of storable, liquid bipropellant thruster.
• Analyze and test hardware performance.
• Coordinate with teams to ensure reliable system delivery.

Skills

Aerospace propulsion experience

Fluid dynamics

Thermodynamics

Mechanical systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Advanced degree in Mechanical or Aerospace

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Compensation: $150,000 - $175,000 / year

Department: Propulsion

Location: Redondo Beach

Description

As a Senior Propulsion Development Engineer (Thrusters) at Impulse, 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. Building off our successful Mira spacecraft program, Impulse is developing new propulsion systems for on‑orbit applications as well as Lander applications. Impulse is looking for development engineers who can contribute to these key hardware development projects.

Responsibilities

• Own all aspects of a storable, liquid bipropellant thruster and/or subsystem development
• Conduct analysis and testing to ensure that the performance and function of hardware meets intent
• Prepare, plan and execute tests including engine hotfire testing
• 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
• Lead technical projects and/or a small team of engineers

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
• 8+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field
• Prior experience working on bipropellant rocket engines, including hardware and test experience with combustion devices.
• 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
• Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working collaboratively with small teams

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Advanced degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a comparable field.
• Experience working in fast‑paced, startup environment.
• Demonstrated technical project leadership over propulsion development programs
• Prior experience with combustion devices and ignition system development
• Prior experience with nitrous oxide as a propellant
• Proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new tools
• Familiarity with aerospace structural analysis standards pertinent to liquid rocket engine development (e.g. NASA-STD-5012, NASA-STD-5020)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

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 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 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.