Lead design, analysis, testing, and implementation of storable liquid bipropellant thrusters and subsystems. Plan and execute engine hotfire tests, perform thermal-fluid and materials trades, resolve technical issues, and lead small teams to deliver integrated, high-performance propulsion systems.
As a Senior Propulsion Development Engineer (Thrusters) at Impulse, 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. Building off our successful Mira spacecraft program, Impulse is developing new propulsion systems for on-orbit applications as well as Lander applications. Impulse is looking for development engineers who can contribute to these key hardware development projects.
Responsibilities
- Own all aspects of a storable, liquid bipropellant thruster and/or subsystem development
- Conduct analysis and testing to ensure that the performance and function of hardware meets intent
- Prepare, plan and execute tests including engine hotfire testing
- 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
- 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 engines, including hardware and test experience with combustion devices.
- 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
- 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 combustion devices and ignition system development
- Prior experience with nitrous oxide as a propellant
- Proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new tools
- Familiarity with aerospace structural analysis standards pertinent to liquid rocket engine development (e.g. NASA-STD-5012, NASA-STD-5020)
- 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.
Similar Jobs
Digital Media • Information Technology • News + Entertainment
Drive subscriber growth in assigned residential Communities by promoting Comcast products, building relationships with property management, coordinating onsite events, resolving customer issues, and identifying new revenue opportunities (PMS integrations, advanced products). Serve as primary sales and retention contact, support cross-functional teams, and work variable schedules including nights and weekends.
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Machine Learning • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Lead and develop a machine shop team to ensure safe, efficient machining operations. Manage resources, production schedules, maintenance, quality control, budgets, and continuous improvement using lean principles. Collaborate across departments to meet customer requirements, drive cost savings, and foster employee development, retention, and an inclusive culture.
Software • Defense
Lead integrated communications strategy to advance policy, congressional, and reputational objectives. Manage media engagement, rapid response, external materials, and cross-functional messaging. Build and mentor the communications team and advise senior leadership.
What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene
San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area attracts more startup funding than any other region in the world. Home to Stanford University and UC Berkeley, leading VC firms and several of the world’s most valuable companies, the Bay Area is the place to go for anyone looking to make it big in the tech industry. That said, San Francisco has a lot to offer beyond technology thanks to a thriving art and music scene, excellent food and a short drive to several of the country’s most beautiful recreational areas.
Key Facts About San Francisco Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
- Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
- Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
