Impulse Space

In-space propulsion and payload mobility

Vacuum Test Engineer

Spacecraft & Launch Vehicle SystemsConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeRedondo Beach, CA, USA$105k - $165k /yr

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
At least 3 years of experience in thermal vacuum testing or environmental test system design.
Hands-on experience with vacuum chambers, pumps, thermal control systems, and instrumentation.
Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and vacuum technology principles.
Proficiency in data acquisition and control systems, such as LabVIEW, programmable logic controllers, or Python-based automation.
Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and electrical schematics.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities.

Responsibilities

Design and build thermal and vacuum test assets, including chambers, thermal control systems, and associated instrumentation.
Develop and maintain test procedures, safety protocols, and configuration documentation for environmental testing.
Operate and maintain thermal vacuum chambers and supporting infrastructure to execute thermal cycling, bake-out, and vacuum performance tests.
Coordinate with design and analysis teams to define test requirements, boundary conditions, and acceptance criteria.
Perform data acquisition and analysis to verify compliance with test objectives and generate detailed test reports.
Ensure system reliability and maintain calibration of temperature and pressure measurement systems.
Troubleshoot and resolve issues with vacuum systems, pumps, heaters, and control electronics.
Drive continuous improvement in test methods, efficiency, and asset capability.

As a Environmental Test Engineer at Impulse, you will design, develop, and operate environmental test systems that support qualification and acceptance testing for spacecraft components and integrated systems. The ideal candidate will be responsible for both the engineering design of test assets and hands-on execution of thermal and vacuum tests to validate flight hardware performance under space-like conditions.

Design and build thermal and vacuum test assets, including chambers, thermal control systems, and associated instrumentation
Develop and maintain test procedures, safety protocols, and configuration documentation for environmental testing
Operate and maintain thermal vacuum (TVAC) chambers and supporting infrastructure to execute thermal cycling, bake-out, and vacuum performance tests
Coordinate with design and analysis teams to define test requirements, boundary conditions, and acceptance criteria
Perform data acquisition and analysis to verify compliance with test objectives and generate detailed test reports
Ensure system reliability and maintain calibration of temperature and pressure measurement systems
Troubleshoot and resolve issues with vacuum systems, pumps, heaters, and control electronics
Drive continuous improvement in test methods, efficiency, and asset capability

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
3+ years of experience in thermal vacuum testing or environmental test system design
Hands-on experience with vacuum chambers, pumps, thermal control systems, and instrumentation
Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and vacuum technology principles
Proficiency in data acquisition and control systems (e.g., LabVIEW, PLCs, or Python-based automation)
Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and electrical schematics
Excellent communication and documentation skills
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities

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

Recently Posted Jobs

Explore more opportunities at Impulse Space

See more jobs