Lead design, analysis, testing, and implementation of storable liquid propellant systems. Architect fluid systems, plan and execute propellant/pressurization tests, resolve technical issues, coordinate across engineering, manufacturing, and operations, and lead small teams on propulsion development programs.
As a Senior Propulsion Development Engineer (Engine) at Impulse, you will own all aspects of in-house engine system development while working closely with a fast-paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft from clean sheet designs.
Responsibilities
- Own engine hardware throughout the development test lifecycle, including test sequences, stand integration, instrumentation, data processing, and walkdowns
- Develop test plans with component owners to drive the engine system through acceptance and qualification testing
- Analyze and predict system performance using test data and ROCETS simulations
- Lead data reviews and anomaly investigations, driving corrective actions to improve system reliability and performance
- Work with the stage team to develop engine CONOPs for stage operations and static fires
- Own engine flight readiness and operations, including flight control algorithms, test-like-you-fly deviations, and ground characterization prior to flight
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
- 4+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field
- Prior experience working liquid rocket propulsion systems, including hardware and test experience with flow control systems.
- Proficiency in basic principles of fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanics and materials
- 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
- Advanced degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a comparable field.
- Experience working in fast-paced, startup environment
- Demonstrated technical project leadership over propulsion development programs
- Prior experience with propulsion system architecture and layout for low mass fraction vehicle designs
- Prior experience with stage combustion or liquid rocket engine
- Proficiency in writing data analysis tools in software language of choice
- Cross disciplinary fluid analysis experience (e.g. hand calc, fluid network modeling).
- 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.
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