Stage Propulsion Engineer (Helios)

Description

As the Stage Propulsion Engineer at Impulse Space , you will own all aspects of propulsion system design, analysis, implementation and operation while working closely with a fast paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft from clean sheet designs.

Helios is Impulse's new vehicle, a 3rd stage / kick stage. Launching in 2026, it is designed to take satellites & payloads to GEO for 1 / 3rd of today's current cost.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Responsible Propulsion Engineer for the Helios cryogenic kick stage including programmatic ownership of all related fluids and control systems
• Perform analysis and detailed design to ensure that the performance and function of hardware meets intent
• Lead design reviews and trades on major stage systems and propulsion components
• Create and execute stage development and qualification test campaigns
• Work with wide ranging teams across engineering, manufacturing and operations to deliver a reliable and high-performance flight vehicle
• Resolve technical issues with innovative resourceful solutions

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field
• Prior experience working with cryogenic propellants and liquid rocket propulsion development
• Proficiency in basic principles of fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanics and materials
• Hands-on experience working with fluid, mechanical, electrical and controls systems
• Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working collaboratively with small teams

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
• Prior experience working in lead roles on ground test or flight propulsion systems
• Prior experience working with liquid methane systems
• Familiarity with NASA and DoD standards regarding spaceflight propulsion specifications and standards
• Proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new tools
• Experience in a startup or agile development environment

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.

Founded in 2021 by Tom Mueller , a founding member of SpaceX. Impulse Space was founded with the belief that gaining access to space is only part of the job if you want to get to orbit, you’ll go with one of our launch partners, but if you want to get anywhere else in space, Impulse will take you there.

Our mission is to accelerate humanity's future in space through efficient transportation anywhere . GEO, the Moon, Mars, and beyond;

Impulse is the way to get anywhere in space. We’ll do this with Helios, a powerful kick stage that will bring large payloads from LEO to GEO & beyond, and Mira, a hosting and orbital transfer vehicle that is optimized to make the trip to and operate in GEO.