The Role
Own propulsion system design, analysis, hardware selection, testing, integration, and operation across the spacecraft lifecycle. Develop schematics, CAD models, manufacturing drawings, trade studies, and test procedures for fluid and mechanical systems. Collaborate with structures, avionics, software, production, and test teams to integrate hardware, review data, and resolve anomalies.
Summary Generated by Built In
As a Senior Propulsion Engineer at Impulse Space, you will own all aspects of 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
- Own propulsion systems across the full product lifecycle – propellant, pressurization, engine feed, pneumatic, ignition, and attitude control systems
- Design and maintain propulsion system schematics, including analysis and hardware selection, performing trade studies to ensure performance and reliability
- Generate detailed CAD models and manufacturing drawings for fluid and mechanical systems Partner cross-functionally with structures, avionics, software, production, and test to ensure successful hardware integration and performance
- Plan and execute component- and system-level test campaigns, including procedure development, operations support, data review, and anomaly resolution
- Partner cross-functionally with structures, avionics, software, production, and test to ensure successful hardware integration and performance
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
- 5+ years of demonstrated hands-on engineering experience; either through university or personal projects, internships, or professional exposure
- Demonstrated proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new software tools
- Experience with python or other programming languages
- Fundamental understanding of fluids, thermodynamics, and mechanics
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Advanced degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a comparable field.
- Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering high-reliability, high-performance hardware
- Proficiency in Siemens NX
- Experience with GFSSP or other fluid network simulation tools
- Experience working with control systems or interfacing with GNC algorithms
- Experience in component selection, sensor integration, and system-level trade studies
- Experience in test and operations
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
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
- 5+ years of hands-on engineering experience through university or personal projects, internships, or professional work
- Proficiency with CAD software and ability to learn new software tools
- Experience with Python or other programming languages
- Fundamental understanding of fluids, thermodynamics, and mechanics
- Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a comparable field
- Experience designing and delivering high-reliability, high-performance hardware
- Proficiency in Siemens NX
- Experience with GFSSP or other fluid network simulation tools
- Experience with control systems or GNC algorithm interfaces
- Experience with component selection, sensor integration, and system-level trade studies
- Experience in testing and operations
- Flexible schedule and willingness to travel as needed
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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.
