39.0000° N, 98.0000° W

Impulse Space

Senior Development Test Engineer

Redondo Beach$110,000 - $180,000 / yearPosted Aug 27, 2026
Disciplineengineering
Workplace typeon-site
EmploymentFull Time

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.

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

Minimum Qualifications

* 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

Preferred Skills and Experience

* 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.

Compensation (from employer):

$110,000 - $180,000 / year

Skills and experience

test equipment designtest operationsfluid P&IDselectrical schematicsdata acquisition