Impulse Space

In-space propulsion and payload mobility

Spacecraft Testbeds Manager

Engineering LeadershipConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeRedondo Beach, CA, USA$175k - $205k /yrIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
At least 7 years of experience developing electrical test systems, including hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), avionics integration, embedded hardware testing, or related fields.
At least 2 years of experience leading engineering teams, projects, or technical programs.
Strong understanding of electrical test system design, avionics interfaces, instrumentation, and hands-on electrical troubleshooting.
Experience designing and deploying complex electrical test systems involving instrumentation, signal conditioning, and hardware interfaces.
Experience managing engineering schedules, resources, and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects.
Strong communication, organizational, and technical problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineers responsible for spacecraft testbed hardware design, integration, and deployment.
Collaborate with Flight Software, Embedded Software, GNC, and Avionics teams to define testbed requirements and translate simulation and validation needs into hardware designs.
Own the electrical and hardware architecture of spacecraft ironbirds, flatsats, and HITL testbeds, including avionics interfaces, simulation hardware, and supporting equipment.
Establish technical priorities, project schedules, resource plans, and delivery milestones to support vehicle development and test campaigns.
Oversee the design and development of custom electrical interfaces, load boards, harnesses, and supporting test hardware.
Coordinate engineering and technician resources to ensure timely fabrication, assembly, integration, commissioning, and checkout of spacecraft testbeds.
Align testbed hardware architecture with Avionics Test and Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) platforms, leveraging common designs, components, and tooling.
Ensure testbed reliability, maintainability, and scalability through standardized designs, processes, and documentation.
Provide technical leadership in troubleshooting complex electrical and hardware-software integration issues.

As the Spacecraft Testbed Engineering Manager at Impulse, you'll lead a team responsible for designing, developing, and delivering spacecraft testbeds, including ironbirds, flatsats, and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test systems. You'll work closely with Software, GNC, and Avionics teams to translate testing requirements into reliable hardware solutions, ensuring testbeds are delivered on schedule and ready to support vehicle development and mission validation.

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineers responsible for spacecraft testbed hardware design, integration, and deployment
Collaborate with Flight Software, Embedded Software, GNC, and Avionics teams to define testbed requirements and translate simulation and validation needs into hardware designs
Own the electrical and hardware architecture of spacecraft ironbirds, flatsats, and HITL testbeds, including avionics interfaces, simulation hardware, and supporting equipment
Establish technical priorities, project schedules, resource plans, and delivery milestones to support vehicle development and test campaigns
Oversee the design and development of custom electrical interfaces, load boards, harnesses, and supporting test hardware
Coordinate engineering and technician resources to ensure timely fabrication, assembly, integration, commissioning, and checkout of spacecraft testbeds
Align testbed hardware architecture with Avionics Test and Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) platforms, leveraging common designs, components, and tooling
Ensure testbed reliability, maintainability, and scalability through standardized designs, processes, and documentation
Provide technical leadership in troubleshooting complex electrical and hardware-software integration issues

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
7+ years of experience developing electrical test systems, including hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), avionics integration, embedded hardware testing, or related fields
2+ years of experience leading engineering teams, projects, or technical programs
Strong understanding of electrical test system design, avionics interfaces, instrumentation, and hands-on electrical troubleshooting
Experience designing and deploying complex electrical test systems involving instrumentation, signal conditioning, and hardware interfaces
Experience managing engineering schedules, resources, and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects
Strong communication, organizational, and technical problem-solving skills

About the Company

Impulse Space

In-space propulsion and payload mobility

Impulse Space builds in-space mobility services and propulsion to move payloads after launch. Its products include Mira for precise maneuvering and rendezvous, Helios high-energy kick stage, Caravan rideshare to higher-energy orbits, and propulsion lines Saiph, Deneb, and Rigel. These tools act as in-space tugs and stages to push, dock, and deploy payloads in orbit. Led by SpaceX veteran Tom Mueller, Impulse Space uses flight-proven hardware and a growing network of facilities to make reaching higher-energy orbits faster and cheaper, expanding access for customers.

Company size: 501-1,000
Company stage: Series D
Total funding: $1.4B
Headquarters: Redondo Beach, CA
Founded: 2021

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