Leads end-to-end execution of complex test-system programs, from requirements and design through fabrication, integration, qualification, and deployment. Coordinates multidisciplinary engineering teams, manages schedules, dependencies, risks, deliverables, and system readiness, and drives technical issues to closure. The role oversees test-system bring-up, debugging, validation, and qualification while communicating status to technical and executive stakeholders and improving program visibility and accountability.
As a Technical Project Manager (Test Systems) at Impulse, you will lead the planning, build, integration, and deployment of complex test systems. This role will coordinate cross-functional engineering teams to ensure test systems are designed, built, qualified, and ready to support product development and production schedules.
Test systems may include pressure, vacuum, thermal, RF, and PCBA test systems, as well as other specialized hardware and software used to validate product performance and reliability.
The ideal candidate combines strong technical understanding with exceptional program management skills. They are comfortable working deep in the details, managing complex schedules and dependencies, coordinating multiple stakeholders, and relentlessly driving issues to closure.
Test systems may include pressure, vacuum, thermal, RF, and PCBA test systems, as well as other specialized hardware and software used to validate product performance and reliability.
The ideal candidate combines strong technical understanding with exceptional program management skills. They are comfortable working deep in the details, managing complex schedules and dependencies, coordinating multiple stakeholders, and relentlessly driving issues to closure.
Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end program execution for test system builds, from requirements and design through fabrication, integration, qualification, and deployment
- Develop and maintain detailed schedules, milestones, dependencies, and critical paths for multiple test system builds
- Coordinate engineering givers and receivers to ensure hardware, software, documentation, fixtures, instrumentation, and other deliverables are available when needed
- Partner closely with mechanical, electrical, RF, thermal, software, manufacturing, and test engineers to drive execution
- Track system-level readiness and identify gaps that could impact build or test schedules
- Drive resolution of technical and operational blockers, escalating issues when necessary and maintaining momentum until closure
- Manage integration activities across hardware, software, instrumentation, fixtures, and test equipment
- Coordinate test system bring-up, debugging, validation, and qualification activities
- Maintain clear ownership of action items, risks, dependencies, and deliverables
- Communicate program status, risks, and schedule changes to technical and leadership stakeholders
- Establish program mechanisms that improve visibility, accountability, and execution across test system builds
- Proactively identify schedule and technical risks and develop mitigation plans
- Work hands-on with engineering teams to understand technical issues and help drive practical solutions
Minimum Qualifications
- 5+ years’ experience managing complex technical programs involving hardware, test systems, or engineering infrastructure
- Bachelor’s degree (4-year degree) from an accredited college or university in either a technical or non-technical field
- Strong technical aptitude and the ability to understand and navigate multidisciplinary engineering problems
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
- Proven ability to manage complex schedules with numerous dependencies and rapidly changing priorities
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with both individual contributors and senior leadership
- Demonstrated persistence and tenacity when driving difficult or ambiguous problems to resolution
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment where priorities and requirements evolve
- Strong ownership mindset with a bias toward action and accountability
- Ability to work independently while effectively coordinating across highly technical, cross-functional teams
Preferred Skills and Experience
- 7+ years’ experience managing complex technical programs involving hardware, test systems, or engineering infrastructure
- Bachelor’s degree (4-year degree) in Engineering, Management, or a related technical field from an accredited college or university
- Experience working with one or more test domains such as pressure, vacuum, thermal, RF, or PCBA testing is highly desirable
- Experience working at a Space start-up
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
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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.
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