Electric Propulsion Engineering Lead

$150,000 - $180,000/Yr

Impulse Space Propulsion - Redondo Beach, CA

Full-time - Senior

Redondo Beach, CA

About the position

As an Electric Propulsion Engineering Lead at Impulse Space, you will be responsible for developing and managing electric propulsion systems and operations. This role involves overseeing the entire engineering lifecycle of electric thrusters and leading a dedicated team of engineers and technicians. You will ensure that the performance and functionality of the hardware and software meet the intended specifications while working closely with design and build teams to maintain manufacturability and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Manage the development of electric thrusters and operation of new EP test facilities focused on critical spacecraft electric propulsion systems.
• Lead a dedicated team of engineers and technicians in our EP Facility (Redondo Beach).
• Recruit and develop a team across a variety of skill sets (plasma dynamics, mechanical, electrical, automation and controls).
• Own the delivery of spacecraft EP subsystems through all phases of the lifecycle.
• Ensure that the performance and function of the hardware and software meets intent.
• Work with design and build teams to ensure hardware is highly manufacturable, low cost, and high reliability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• 9+ years of direct experience in electric propulsion systems.
• 4+ years of leadership experience.
• Experience in designing or operating EP vacuum test facilities.
• Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working well in a small agile team.
• Demonstrated experience with CAD to design hardware.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in engineering or physics with emphasis on plasma electric propulsion applications.
• Experience with Ion electric propulsion technologies, including plasma dynamics, magnetics, gas flow systems and PPUs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams on aggressive projects and timelines.
• Demonstrated ability of building or operating a vacuum test stand.
• Demonstrated experience in both flight production and development testing environments while driving improvement in associated processes and procedures.

Benefits

• Stock options
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Vision insurance