Impulse Space

Development Test Engineer

Posted One Month Ago

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Redondo Beach, CA, USA

In-Office

100K-120K Annually

Junior

Aerospace • Software

The Role

Plans, builds, executes, and analyzes tests for in-space mobility hardware. Designs test fixtures for fluid, cryogenic, high-pressure, environmental, mechanical, and structural testing; operates test stands, troubleshoots live events, documents results, and collaborates with design, manufacturing, analysis, and operations teams to mature early-stage designs into flight-ready hardware.

Summary Generated by Built In

The Development Test Engineer at Impulse, will lead the planning, execution, and analysis of tests critical to validating next-generation in-space mobility systems. This role is highly cross-functional, interfacing with design, analysis, manufacturing, and operations teams to ensure products meet performance, safety, and reliability requirements. The ideal candidate combines strong engineering fundamentals with hands-on test experience in a fast-paced development environment. This position plays a key role in maturing early-stage designs into flight-ready hardware.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and commission test fixtures for fluid, cryogenic, high-pressure, cyclic, environmental, mechanical, and structural testing
Execute tests safely and efficiently, including setup, operations, and troubleshooting during live test events
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities
Work closely with design and manufacturing teams to ensure testability and rapid feedback cycles
Excellent technical writing and documentation skills

Minimum Qualifications

1+ years' professional experience testing aerospace or spaceflight hardware (propulsion systems, structures, mechanisms, avionics)
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or related engineering discipline
A demonstrated understanding of mechanical, propulsion, fluid, or structural systems
Strong data analysis skills using tools such as Python, MATLAB, or similar
Hands-on experience with hardware in a laboratory or test-stand environment
Ability to manage multiple test campaigns in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Skills and Experience

2+ years' experience testing aerospace or spaceflight hardware (propulsion systems, structures, mechanisms, avionics)
Familiarity with high-pressure fluid systems, cryogenic systems, or hazardous test operations
Proficiency with instrumentation, DAQ systems, and sensor selection/integration
Demonstrated ability to develop test plans, execute complex tests, and document results
Background in designing and automating test setups with NI, LabVIEW, PLCs, or similar platforms
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, FEA/CFD results, and system requirements
Prior involvement in fast-paced R&D or startup environments with rapid iteration cycles

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.

About
Impulse Space, the in-space transportation company founded by Tom Mueller, is opening access beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with its fleet of in-space transportation vehicles. The high-energy Helios vehicle unlocks orbits beyond LEO with its powerful Deneb engine, dropping off payloads in MEO, GEO, heliocentric, lunar, and other planetary orbits. The flight-proven Mira vehicle uses a nontoxic, high-impulse chemical propulsion system to offer orbital transport, constellation deployment, and precision reentry services to customers throughout LEO. Led by a team that delivered the most reliable rockets in history, Impulse provides economical and efficient in-space transportation by reliably and rapidly getting customers where they want to go.

Skills Required

1+ years of professional experience testing aerospace or spaceflight hardware
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or related engineering discipline
Understanding of mechanical, propulsion, fluid, or structural systems
Strong data analysis skills using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools
Hands-on experience with hardware in a laboratory or test-stand environment
Ability to manage multiple test campaigns in a fast-paced environment
2+ years of experience testing aerospace or spaceflight hardware
Familiarity with high-pressure fluid systems, cryogenic systems, or hazardous test operations
Proficiency with instrumentation, DAQ systems, and sensor selection or integration
Experience developing test plans, executing complex tests, and documenting results
Experience designing and automating test setups with NI, LabVIEW, PLCs, or similar platforms
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, FEA or CFD results, and system requirements
Experience in fast-paced R&D or startup environments
Flexible schedule and willingness to travel as needed
Must satisfy U.S. ITAR export-control eligibility requirements