The Role
Lead design, analysis, testing, and operation of in-space propulsion systems (bipropellant thrusters, pressure components). Define requirements, manage schedules, execute qualification tests, perform on-orbit mission support, and coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver reliable propulsion hardware and resolve anomalies.
Summary Generated by Built In
As a Senior Engineer - Propulsion Systems 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 one of Impulse’s in-space propulsion systems, which includes bipropellant thrusters, pressure components and vessels
- Drive propulsion system development and implementation including:
- System requirements definition, design and analysis
- Schedule formulation, tracking, and resource allocation
- Hardware and software configuration definition
- Build and test work scope and order-of-operations
- Create and execute development, acceptance and qualification test campaigns
- Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies
- Perform on-orbit mission support including flight data reviews and anomaly resolution
- Work with wide-ranging teams across engineering, manufacturing, testing and operations to deliver a reliable, high-performance and highly integrated system
- Hands-on experience designing, building and working with fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems
- Manage internal and external stakeholders to ensure system alignment and transparency
- Resolve technical issues with innovative resourceful solutions
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
- 5+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field
- Demonstrated 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
- Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working collaboratively with small teams
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering and 7+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field.
- Prior experience working on hardware development projects with cost and schedule constraints for key propulsion system design elements (thrusters, valves, and/or pressure vessels)
- Proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new tools
- Demonstrated experience in leading multiple projects for ground test and flight propulsion systems
- Create, modify and execute test sequences and procedures for high pressure development and flight hardware systems
- Demonstrated 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
- Experience working with saturated fluid systems
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.
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
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
- 5+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field
- Demonstrated experience working on bipropellant rocket propulsion systems
- Proficiency in fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanics and materials
- Ability to perform system trades including thermal-fluids analyses and materials selection
- Demonstrated ability to take project ownership and work collaboratively with small teams
- U.S. Person status or eligibility to obtain required U.S. export licenses (ITAR/EAR)
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The Company
What We Do
Impulse enables low-cost and nimble last-mile space payload delivery - access any orbit, reach other worlds.
