Senior Propulsion Engineer
Impulse Space
Other Engineering
USD 140k-195k / year + Equity
Posted on Apr 19, 2026
As a Senior Propulsion Engineer at Impulse Space, you will own all aspects of 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.
- Department
- Propulsion
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Location
- Redondo Beach
- Workplace type
- Onsite
- Compensation
- $140,000 - $195,000 / year
Responsibilities
- Own propulsion systems across the full product lifecycle – propellant, pressurization, engine feed, pneumatic, ignition, and attitude control systems
- Design and maintain propulsion system schematics, including analysis and hardware selection, performing trade studies to ensure performance and reliability
- Generate detailed CAD models and manufacturing drawings for fluid and mechanical systems Partner cross-functionally with structures, avionics, software, production, and test to ensure successful hardware integration and performance
- Plan and execute component- and system-level test campaigns, including procedure development, operations support, data review, and anomaly resolution
- Partner cross-functionally with structures, avionics, software, production, and test to ensure successful hardware integration and performance
Minimum Qualifications
- 5+ years of demonstrated hands-on engineering experience; either through university or personal projects, internships, or professional exposure
- Demonstrated proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new software tools
- Experience with python or other programming languages
- Fundamental understanding of fluids, thermodynamics, and mechanics
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering high-reliability, high-performance hardware
- Proficiency in Siemens NX
- Experience with GFSSP or other fluid network simulation tools
- Experience working with control systems or interfacing with GNC algorithms
- Experience in component selection, sensor integration, and system-level trade studies
- Experience in test and operations
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.
About Impulse Space
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.
Our Hiring Process
Stage 1:
Application Received
Stage 2:
Resume Review
Stage 3:
Intro Phone Interview
Stage 4:
Technical Phone Interview(s)
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