Impulse Space

Vacuum Test Engineer

Posted 18 Hours Ago

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Redondo Beach, CA, USA

In-Office

105K-165K Annually

Mid level

Aerospace • Software

The Role

Designs, builds, operates, and maintains thermal vacuum test systems for spacecraft components and integrated systems. Responsibilities include developing test procedures, executing thermal cycling and vacuum tests, analyzing test data, maintaining calibration, troubleshooting vacuum and thermal-control equipment, coordinating test requirements, and producing qualification reports. The role also supports continuous improvement of environmental test methods and infrastructure.

Summary Generated by Built In

As a Environmental Test Engineer at Impulse, you will design, develop, and operate environmental test systems that support qualification and acceptance testing for spacecraft components and integrated systems. The ideal candidate will be responsible for both the engineering design of test assets and hands-on execution of thermal and vacuum tests to validate flight hardware performance under space-like conditions.

Responsibilities

Design and build thermal and vacuum test assets, including chambers, thermal control systems, and associated instrumentation
Develop and maintain test procedures, safety protocols, and configuration documentation for environmental testing
Operate and maintain thermal vacuum (TVAC) chambers and supporting infrastructure to execute thermal cycling, bake-out, and vacuum performance tests
Coordinate with design and analysis teams to define test requirements, boundary conditions, and acceptance criteria
Perform data acquisition and analysis to verify compliance with test objectives and generate detailed test reports
Ensure system reliability and maintain calibration of temperature and pressure measurement systems
Troubleshoot and resolve issues with vacuum systems, pumps, heaters, and control electronics
Drive continuous improvement in test methods, efficiency, and asset capability

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
3+ years of experience in thermal vacuum testing or environmental test system design
Hands-on experience with vacuum chambers, pumps, thermal control systems, and instrumentation
Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and vacuum technology principles
Proficiency in data acquisition and control systems (e.g., LabVIEW, PLCs, or Python-based automation)
Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and electrical schematics
Excellent communication and documentation skills
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities

Preferred Skills and Experience

M.S. degree in a relevant engineering discipline
Familiarity with standards such as NASA GEVS, MIL-STD-1540, or ECSS environmental test requirements
Experience in aerospace hardware qualification and flight hardware certification testing
Experience designing or modifying TVAC chambers, including thermal plate design and LN₂ systems
Knowledge of cryogenic systems, thermal shrouds, or high-vacuum pumping technologies
Ability to manage multiple test campaigns in a fast-paced 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.
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 Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
3+ years of experience in thermal vacuum testing or environmental test system design
Hands-on experience with vacuum chambers, pumps, thermal control systems, and instrumentation
Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and vacuum technology principles
Proficiency in data acquisition and control systems such as LabVIEW, PLCs, or Python-based automation
Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and electrical schematics
Excellent communication and documentation skills
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities
Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline
Familiarity with NASA GEVS, MIL-STD-1540, or ECSS environmental test requirements
Experience in aerospace hardware qualification and flight hardware certification testing
Experience designing or modifying thermal vacuum chambers, including thermal plate design and LN2 systems
Knowledge of cryogenic systems, thermal shrouds, or high-vacuum pumping technologies
Ability to manage multiple test campaigns in a fast-paced environment