Stage Propulsion Engineer (Helios)

Stage Propulsion Engineer (Helios)

Department: Propulsion Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Redondo Beach

Reporting To: Kevin Miller, VP of Propulsion

Compensation: $140,000 - $170,000 / year

Description

As the Stage 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.

Helios is Impulse's new vehicle, a 3rd stage/kick stage. Launching in 2026, it is designed to take satellites & payloads to GEO for 1/3rd of today's current cost.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Responsible Propulsion Engineer for the Helios cryogenic kick stage including programmatic ownership of all related fluids and control systems
• Perform analysis and detailed design to ensure that the performance and function of hardware meets intent
• Lead design reviews and trades on major stage systems and propulsion components
• Create and execute stage development and qualification test campaigns
• Work with wide ranging teams across engineering, manufacturing and operations to deliver a reliable and high-performance flight vehicle
• 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
• Prior experience working with cryogenic propellants and liquid rocket propulsion development
• Proficiency in basic principles of fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanics and materials
• 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

• Master's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
• Prior experience working in lead roles on ground test or flight propulsion systems
• Prior experience working with liquid methane systems
• Familiarity with NASA and DoD standards regarding spaceflight propulsion specifications and standards
• Proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new tools
• Experience in a startup or agile development environment

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.