Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

Posted 7 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Mojave, CA, USA
In-Office
180K-220K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Software
The Role
Lead liquid rocket propulsion test operations, design and operate test stands, develop test procedures and DAQ/control systems, troubleshoot hardware, build fluid/mechanical/electrical systems, improve processes, and mentor junior engineers.
Summary Generated by Built In
As a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for liquid rocket propulsion test operations while working closely with a fast paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft from clean sheet designs.
The Propulsion Test Team at Impulse Space is responsible for designing, building, and operating world class test stands to support the development and production of engines and propulsion components that will serve in Impulse’s goal of pioneering the future of in-space transportation. This team is located at the Mojave Air & Space Port which is home to many firsts in air and space development. 

Responsibilities
  • Conduct test operations of liquid rocket propulsion hardware
  • Perform test setup, hardware inspections, checkouts and troubleshooting
  • Create, modify, and optimize test sequences and procedures
  • Improve operational efficiency through process upgrades and implementation of new hardware solutions
  • Design and build clean sheet fluid, mechanical and electrical systems in support of high-rate testing
  • Resolve technical issues with innovative and resourceful solutions
  • Mentor early career engineers


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related field
  • 6+ years of professional experience in hardware development testing
  • Strong engineering fundamentals in thermal, structural, and fluids analysis
  • Prior hands-on operational experience working with aerospace test facilities
  • Demonstrated experience owning test stand design and build-up
  • Able to create and clearly communicate fluid P&IDs, electrical and controls schematics
  • Able to identify and procure appropriate test equipment
  • Proficient with data acquisition and control methods
  • Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working well in small teams


Preferred Skills and Experience
  • 8+ years of professional experience in hardware development testing
  • Experience working with complex systems including cryogenic propellants, high pressure gas systems, hydraulics and/or combustion devices
  • Working knowledge of components (valves, regulators, sensors, power supplies) and hands-on skills (tube fabrication, metalworking, wiring)
  • Experience in a startup or agile development environment
  • Experience with NI or other data acquisition systems such as LabVIEW
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 mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related field
  • 6+ years of professional experience in hardware development testing
  • Strong engineering fundamentals in thermal, structural, and fluids analysis
  • Prior hands-on operational experience working with aerospace test facilities
  • Demonstrated experience owning test stand design and build-up
  • Able to create and clearly communicate fluid P&IDs, electrical and controls schematics
  • Able to identify and procure appropriate test equipment
  • Proficient with data acquisition and control methods
  • Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working well in small teams
  • Flexible schedule and willing to travel as needed
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual, or eligible for required U.S. Department of State authorizations (ITAR requirement)
  • 8+ years of professional experience in hardware development testing
  • Experience with cryogenic propellants, high pressure gas systems, hydraulics and/or combustion devices
  • Working knowledge of components (valves, regulators, sensors, power supplies) and hands-on skills (tube fabrication, metalworking, wiring)
  • Experience in a startup or agile development environment
  • Experience with NI or other data acquisition systems such as LabVIEW
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The Company
HQ: El Segundo, CA
82 Employees
Year Founded: 2021

What We Do

Impulse enables low-cost and nimble last-mile space payload delivery - access any orbit, reach other worlds.

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