Propulsion Development Engineer (Nozzle)

Department: Propulsion Engineering

Location: Redondo Beach

Compensation: $135,000 - $175,000 / year

Description

As a Propulsion Development Engineer of rocket engine nozzles at Impulse , you will own all aspects of in-house nozzle 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 several high expansion ratio rocket engines where nozzle performance will be essential to meet mission objectives. In this role you will develop a specific set of design, analysis, manufacturing and test principles to build and fly reliable, high performance nozzles.

Responsibilities

• Own all aspects of nozzle development to production
• Conduct analysis and testing to ensure that the performance and function of hardware meets intent
• Prepare, plan and execute tests including engine hot fire testing and structural acceptance testing
• Work with wide-ranging teams across engineering, manufacturing and operations to deliver a reliable, high-performance and highly integrated nozzle system
• Resolve technical issues with innovative resourceful solutions, including custom tooling, instrumentation, test article designs, and associated equipment.
• Maintain project schedule, key milestones, and process documentation.
• Coordinate outsource vendor operations and the sourcing of specialty high temperature materials.
• Lead technical projects and/or a small team of engineers
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
• 5 years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field
• Prior experience working on bipropellant rocket propulsion systems
• 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
• Ability to operate complex test systems including vacuum pumps, furnaces, and vacuum chambers
• Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working collaboratively with small teams
• Familiarity with high temperature materials (e.g. refractory alloys and ceramic composites) and their associated fabrication and joining processes.
  
  
  

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
• Prior experience working in lead roles on propulsion development programs
• Proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new tools
• Proficiency in basic operating principles of injector design including high-pressure and oxidizer-rich combustion devices
• Experience in a startup or agile development environment
  

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.