Senior Development Test Engineer
- US citizenship
- ITAR / US person
How this pay compares
This posting states $110k–$180k a year. Open test engineer jobs in California post a median of $155k a year, the middle half $135k–$177k, across 179 jobs that state their pay, so this one is within the middle half of what they post.
About the job
As a Senior Development Test Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for all aspects of test equipment design and test operations while working closely with a fast paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft from clean sheet designs. ## Responsibilities - Design and build fluid, mechanical and electrical systems in support of liquid rocket propulsion and spacecraft systems testing - Fully own key test assets and major test programs while collaborating with wide ranging teams across the company, including Redondo Beach and Mojave - Coordinate with external vendors and contractors to meet project technical and schedule objectives - Perform test setup, hardware inspections, checkouts and troubleshooting as needed - Conduct test operations geared toward rapidly developing hardware for spaceflight - Resolve technical issues with innovative and resourceful solutions ## Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related field - 5+ years of experience in hardware development testing - Strong engineering fundamentals in thermal, structural, and fluids analysis - Prior hands-on operational experience working with aerospace test facilities - Previously demonstrated ownership of test stand design and build-up - Able to create and clearly communicate fluid P&IDs, electrical and controls schematics - Able to identify and procure appropriate test equipment - Proficient with data acquisition and control methods - Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working well in small teams ## Preferred Skills and Experience - Demonstrated prior experience working with complex systems including cryogenic propellants, high pressure gas systems, hydraulics and/or combustion devices - Demonstrated working knowledge of components (valves, regulators, sensors, power supplies) and hands-on skills (tube fabrication, metalworking, wiring) - Demonstrated hardware testing experience with rocket engines, or spacecraft - Experience in a startup or agile development environment ## 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.
From Impulse Space's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Impulse Space
Transfer vehicles that carry satellites past the orbit their rocket leaves them in.
Pay on its listings: 100% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on Impulse Space's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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