Development Test Engineer

Department: Assembly, Integration & Test

Location: Redondo Beach

Compensation: $100,000 - $120,000 / year

Description The Development Test Engineer at Impulse , will lead the planning, execution, and analysis of tests critical to validating next-generation in-space mobility systems. This role is highly cross-functional, interfacing with design, analysis, manufacturing, and operations teams to ensure products meet performance, safety, and reliability requirements. The ideal candidate combines strong engineering fundamentals with hands-on test experience in a fast-paced development environment. This position plays a key role in maturing early-stage designs into flight-ready hardware.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and commission test fixtures for fluid, cryogenic, high-pressure, cyclic, environmental, mechanical, and structural testing
• Execute tests safely and efficiently, including setup, operations, and troubleshooting during live test events
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities
• Work closely with design and manufacturing teams to ensure testability and rapid feedback cycles
• Excellent technical writing and documentation skills

Minimum Qualifications

• 1+ years' professional experience testing aerospace or spaceflight hardware (propulsion systems, structures, mechanisms, avionics)
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or related engineering discipline
• A demonstrated understanding of mechanical, propulsion, fluid, or structural systems
• Strong data analysis skills using tools such as Python, MATLAB, or similar
• Hands-on experience with hardware in a laboratory or test-stand environment
• Ability to manage multiple test campaigns in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Skills And Experience

• 2+ years' experience testing aerospace or spaceflight hardware (propulsion systems, structures, mechanisms, avionics)
• Familiarity with high-pressure fluid systems, cryogenic systems, or hazardous test operations
• Proficiency with instrumentation, DAQ systems, and sensor selection/integration
• Demonstrated ability to develop test plans, execute complex tests, and document results
• Background in designing and automating test setups with NI, LabVIEW, PLCs, or similar platforms
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, FEA/CFD results, and system requirements
• Prior involvement in fast-paced R&D or startup environments with rapid iteration cycles

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.