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Test Engineer (Electric Propulsion)

Impulse Space Redondo Beach, California, United States

onsitefull-time

Salary: USD 105,000–145,000 per year

Posted Nov 14, 2025Apply by May 13, 2026

Role & seniority

  • Electric Propulsion Test Engineer, mid-level (2+ years)

Stack / tools

  • CAD software (proficiency required)

  • Electric propulsion hardware ( thrusters, hollow cathodes, feed systems, PPUs)

  • Vacuum chambers, pumps, flow controllers, power supplies

  • Thrust stands, plasma diagnostics, basic test equipment

  • Test campaign design and documentation

Top 3 responsibilities

  • Develop and execute test campaigns for electric propulsion hardware (electronics, fluid systems, engines)

  • Design and implement test GSE and facilities from basic tooling to new setups

  • Operate vacuum chambers, pumps, flow controllers, power supplies, thrust stands, diagnostics; verify flight readiness through tests and documentation

Must-have skills

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, or related engineering field

  • 2+ years hands-on hardware development/testing in lab or industry

  • Proficiency with CAD software and ability to learn new tools

Nice-to-haves

  • 3+ years hands-on experience with electric propulsion hardware (thrusters, hollow cathodes, feed systems, PPUs)

  • Experience with vacuum chamber operations and vacuum systems

  • Experience designing, executing, and documenting flight hardware test campaigns

  • Self-motivated, able to work in an agile startup environment and own projects

Location & work type

Location: Redondo Beach, CA

Work type: full-time, on-site (impulse space; ITAR/EAR considerations apply)

Full Description

Department: Propulsion

Location: Redondo Beach

Compensation: $105,000 - $145,000 / year

Description

As an Electric Propulsion Test Engineer at Impulse,you will develop and execute tests of all electric propulsion hardware at Impulse. You will design and build test chambers and GSE for hardware at all stages of the product life cycle. You will work with hardware engineers to design flight qualification and acceptance test campaigns and be responsible for operating hardware and delivering test results.

Responsibilities

Develop and support test campaigns on electric propulsion hardware including electronics, fluid systems, and engines Design and implement test GSE, from basic tooling to brand new facilities Operate vacuum chambers, pumps, flow controllers, power supplies, thrust stands, plasma diagnostics, and other electronic test equipment Verify hardware for flight via execution and documentation of relevant tests

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, or related engineering field 2+ years demonstrated hands-on experience with hardware development and/or testing in a lab or industry setting Demonstrated proficiency with CAD software and ability to learn new software tools

Preferred Skills and Experience

3+ years of demonstrated hands-on experience operating electric propulsion hardware such as thrusters, hollow cathodes, feed systems, and/or PPUs Demonstrated experience with vacuum chamber operations and fundamental knowledge of vacuum systems Demonstrated experience designing, writing, executing, and documenting flight hardware test campaigns Self-motivated with an ability to work in an agile startup environment and take full ownership of projects

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.

Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. 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.

Test CampaignsElectric PropulsionHardware DevelopmentTestingCAD SoftwareVacuum Chamber OperationsFluid SystemsEnginesPower SuppliesThrust StandsPlasma DiagnosticsDocumentationAgile EnvironmentSelf-MotivatedElectronicsGSE Designmulti-location

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