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Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer

Impulse Space
Redondo Beach, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/23/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/19/2026

Department: Propulsion

Location: Redondo Beach

Compensation: $110,000 - $160,000 / year

Description

As a Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer at Impulse Space, 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.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a Responsible Propulsion Engineer for Impulse’s in-space propulsion system elements including bipropellant thrusters, valves, and pressure components
  • Conduct analysis and testing to ensure that the performance and function of hardware meets intent
  • Create and execute development, acceptance and qualification test campaigns
  • Perform on-orbit mission support including flight data reviews and anomaly resolution
  • Perform mission specific analysis and risk assessments an communicate to program stakeholders
  • 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


Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
  • 3 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 and vacuum chambers
  • 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 in-space propulsion systems including support of preflight mission analysis and on-orbit mission operations
  • Familiarity with NASA and DoD standards regarding spaceflight propulsion specifications and standards
  • Familiarity with a fluids analysis tools such as SINDA/FLUINT, GFSSP or similar
  • Proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new tools
  • 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.

Salary : $110,000 - $160,000

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