Senior Propulsion Engineer

1w1 week ago

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, US · Full-time · $140,000 – $195,000

About this role

As a Senior Propulsion Engineer, you will own all aspects of propulsion system design, analysis, implementation and operation. You will work closely with a fast-paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft from clean sheet designs. This role spans the full product lifecycle.

Own propulsion systems including propellant, pressurization, engine feed, pneumatic, ignition, and attitude control systems. Design and maintain propulsion system schematics with analysis, hardware selection, and 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 teams for successful hardware integration and performance. Plan and execute component- and system-level test campaigns, including procedure development, operations support, data review, and anomaly resolution. Collaborate in a dynamic aerospace environment.

Advance through delivering high-reliability, high-performance hardware in spacecraft propulsion. Apply proficiency in fluids, thermodynamics, mechanics, CAD, and Python to innovative designs. Contribute to clean sheet spacecraft development with full system ownership.

Requirements

5+ years of demonstrated hands-on engineering experience 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
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

Responsibilities

Own propulsion systems across the full product lifecycle including 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