
Open since Jun 2026
Senior Development Test EngineerImpulse Space · Redondo Beach
Senior Development Test Engineer
Redondo BeachOn-siteFull-time
AI Summary
Design and build test equipment and fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems for liquid rocket propulsion and spacecraft testing, owning key test assets and programs in an agile aerospace team.
About this role
As a Senior Development Test Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for all aspects of test equipment design and test operations while working closely with a fast paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft from clean sheet designs.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and build fluid, mechanical and electrical systems in support of liquid rocket propulsion and spacecraft systems testing
- Fully own key test assets and major test programs while collaborating with wide ranging teams across the company, including Redondo Beach and Mojave
- Coordinate with external vendors and contractors to meet project technical and schedule objectives
- Perform test setup, hardware inspections, checkouts and troubleshooting as needed
- Conduct test operations geared toward rapidly developing hardware for spaceflight
- Resolve technical issues with innovative and resourceful solutions
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related field
- 5+ years of experience in hardware development testing
- Strong engineering fundamentals in thermal, structural, and fluids analysis
- Prior hands-on operational experience working with aerospace test facilities
- Previously demonstrated ownership of test stand design and build-up
- Able to create and clearly communicate fluid P&IDs, electrical and controls schematics
- Able to identify and procure appropriate test equipment
- Proficient with data acquisition and control methods
- Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working well in small teams
Benefits
- Demonstrated prior experience working with complex systems including cryogenic propellants, high pressure gas systems, hydraulics and/or combustion devices
- Demonstrated working knowledge of components (valves, regulators, sensors, power supplies) and hands-on skills (tube fabrication, metalworking, wiring)
- Demonstrated hardware testing experience with rocket engines, or spacecraft
- 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.
Skills
Combustion DevicesControls SchematicsCryogenic PropellantsData AcquisitionElectrical SchematicsFluid P&IDsFluids AnalysisHardware TestingHigh Pressure Gas SystemsHydraulicsMetalworkingPower SuppliesRegulatorsRocket Engine TestingSensorsSpacecraft TestingStructural AnalysisTest Stand DesignThermal AnalysisTube FabricationValvesWiring
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