Senior Ground Systems Engineer (Cryogenics & Industrial Gases)

About the role

Impulse Space is looking for a Senior Ground Systems Engineer to own the design, installation, operation, maintenance and continuous improvement of the industrial gas and cryogenic fluid infrastructure that supports spacecraft manufacturing, testing and launch operations at its Redondo Beach campus. The role combines first-principles engineering with hands-on execution to build safe, reliable and scalable ground support systems.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the responsible engineer and primary technical owner for industrial gas and cryogenic fluid systems across the campus
• Design, install, commission, operate and maintain cryogenic tank farms, gas distribution systems, pressure control systems and associated instrumentation
• Apply first-principles engineering (thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, controls) to develop new ground support systems and improve existing ones
• Partner with Test, Manufacturing, Avionics, Facilities and EHS teams to support production and test operations
• Develop system specifications, P&IDs, operating procedures, preventive maintenance plans and engineering documentation
• Troubleshoot issues involving cryogenic fluids, high-pressure gases, valves, instrumentation, controls and process equipment
• Manage technical relationships with gas suppliers, equipment vendors and contractors
• Lead commissioning, upgrades and expansion projects in line with safety and engineering standards

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical or Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline
• Experience designing, operating or maintaining industrial gas or cryogenic fluid systems
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer and process engineering fundamentals
• Preferred: 5+ years of hands-on experience with cryogenic fluid systems in an industrial or aerospace environment
• Preferred: familiarity with P&IDs, instrumentation, PLCs and process controls, and working knowledge of ASME, NFPA, CGA and OSHA codes
• U.S. export regulations (ITAR/EAR) apply; applicants must be U.S. persons or eligible to obtain an export license

Required skills

• Cryogenic fluid systems (liquid nitrogen, oxygen, helium, methane, hydrogen)
• Fluid system design from first principles: pipe sizing, pressure drop analysis, heat leak calculations, equipment selection
• High-pressure systems, pressure vessels, vacuum-jacketed piping and hazardous gas systems
• CAD (Siemens NX preferred) for equipment layouts and system design
• Commissioning and operation of mission-critical utility or ground support systems

What we offer

• Stated pay range of $140,000 - $180,000 per year
• Possible long-term incentives such as stock options for full-time hires
• Medical, vision and dental coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan