Lead design, analysis, testing, and implementation of in-house liquid propulsion components and subsystems. Plan and execute tests (engine hotfire, valve functional), perform thermal-fluids and materials trades, resolve technical issues, and coordinate across engineering, manufacturing, and operations to deliver flight hardware.
As a Propulsion Development Engineer at Impulse, 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. Impulse is developing a variety of liquid propulsion systems and looking for development engineers who can contribute to key hardware development projects.
Responsibilities
- Own all aspects of propulsion component and/or subsystem development
- Conduct analysis and testing to ensure that the performance and function of hardware meets intent
- Prepare, plan and execute tests that may range from engine hotfire to valve functional testing.
- Work with wide-ranging teams across engineering, manufacturing and operations to deliver a reliable, high-performance and highly integrated system
- Resolve technical issues with innovative resourceful solutions
- Lead technical projects and own spaceflight hardware
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
- 2+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field
- 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
- 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
- Experience working in fast-paced, startup environment.
- Prior experience working on hardware development projects with cost and schedule constraints.
- Proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new tools
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
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.
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.
Impulse Space El Segundo, California, USA Office
El Segundo, CA, United States, 90245
Similar Jobs
Aerospace • Software
Lead design, analysis, testing, and implementation of storable liquid bipropellant thrusters and subsystems. Plan and execute engine hotfire tests, perform thermal-fluid and materials trades, resolve technical issues, and lead small teams to deliver integrated, high-performance propulsion systems.
Top Skills:
Bipropellant Rocket EnginesCadCombustion DevicesEngine Hotfire TestingIgnition SystemsNasa-Std-5012Nasa-Std-5020Nitrous Oxide
Aerospace • Software
Lead development of storable liquid bipropellant thrusters: design, analysis, testing (including hotfire), subsystem integration, and resolving technical issues. Plan and execute tests, collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and operations, and lead technical projects or small teams to deliver reliable, high-performance propulsion systems.
Top Skills:
Bipropellant Rocket EnginesCadCombustion DevicesEngine Hotfire TestingIgnition SystemsNasa-Std-5012Nasa-Std-5020Nitrous OxideStorable Liquid Bipropellant
Aerospace • Hardware • Manufacturing
As a Propulsion Development Engineer, you will lead engine test campaigns, develop test plans, analyze execution data, and enhance hardware systems. You will work hands-on to resolve test issues and ensure data integrity while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
Top Skills:
Python
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
