Senior Propulsion Development Engineer (Engine)

About the role

Impulse is looking for an experienced propulsion engineer to help develop Deneb, a ~15,000 lb thrust, ox-rich combustion engine that will fly on Helios, a high-energy kick stage delivering satellites and payloads to high-energy orbits, the Moon, Mars and beyond. You will own all aspects of in-house engine system development within a fast-paced, agile team building spacecraft from clean-sheet designs.

Key responsibilities

• Own engine hardware throughout the development test lifecycle, including test sequences, stand integration, instrumentation, data processing and walkdowns
• Develop test plans with component owners to drive the engine through acceptance and qualification testing
• Analyze and predict system performance using test data and ROCETS simulations
• Lead data reviews and anomaly investigations, driving corrective actions to improve reliability and performance
• Work with the stage team to develop engine CONOPs for stage operations and static fires
• Own engine flight readiness and operations, including flight control algorithms, test-like-you-fly deviations and ground characterization before flight

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
• 4+ years of demonstrated experience in aerospace propulsion
• Prior experience with liquid rocket propulsion systems, including hardware and test experience with flow control systems
• Ability to take project ownership and work collaboratively with small teams
• Willingness to follow a flexible schedule and travel as needed

Required skills

• Proficiency in basic principles of fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanics and materials
• Hands-on experience with fluid, mechanical, electrical and controls systems
• Preferred: advanced degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or a comparable field
• Preferred: proficiency in writing data analysis tools in a software language of choice, cross-disciplinary fluid analysis, and experience in a startup environment

What we offer

• Pay of $135,000 - $185,000 per year, depending on role, level, location and market data
• For full-time hires, possible long-term incentives such as stock options
• Medical, vision and dental coverage and access to a 401(k) retirement plan