Automation and Controls Engineer, Impulse Space
$105-185k
More information about location
Office located in Redondo Beach, CA
In-space mobility company
Open for applications
In-space mobility company
201-500 employees
Open for applications
$105-185k
More information about location
Office located in Redondo Beach, CA
201-500 employees
Company mission
To accelerate humanity's future in space through efficient transportation anywhere.
Role
Who you are
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field
- 2+ years of work in a relevant field (manufacturing/test/R&D)
- 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
Desirable
- Familiarity of PLC systems
- Object oriented programming in structured text per IEC 61131-3
- Industrial Safety
- Schematic design with EPlan
- 3D Control panel design with EPlan ProPanel
- Troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems
- Understanding of ISO 13849, ANSI B11, or IEC 61508 safety standards
- Knowledge of UL508A, NFPA 70, NFPA 79 standards
- Familiarity with industrial protocols such as EtherCAT, Profinet, IO-Link, etc
- Work with external vendors and manufacturers for sourcing hardware and solutions
- Experience with hazard risk assessments and mitigation plans
What the job involves
- As an Automation & Controls Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for the design and commissioning of industrial machinery and systems for R&D, test, and production while working closely with a fast-paced, agile team
- Reporting To: Kyle O'Rourke, Manager, Automation and Controls
- Own all aspects of equipment design from concept, requirements, and commissioning
- Generate necessary schematics and for electrical and fluid systems in EPlan to required standards
- Write and debug software for PLCs in TwinCAT that is maintainable and scalable
- Programming of various industrial controls hardware (VFDs, motor starters, PLCs, etc.)
- Selecting of application specific hardware (circuit protection, VFDs, motion systems, robots, etc.)
- Development of HMIs that are easy to use, functional, and can be used for diagnostics & troubleshooting
- Work with end users for end users to ensure equipment meets design intent
Our take
Impulse Space is developing a line of orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs) that enhance satellite manoeuvrability in space. The company offers products like Mira, for last-mile satellite deliveries and Helios, which can move spacecraft from low Earth orbit to geosynchronous orbit in under 24 hours.
Recognizing the strategic value of manoeuvrable spacecraft, the US Space Force awarded Impulse a $34.5M contract for two missions set for 2026. These missions, Victus Surgo and Victus Salo, will demonstrate in-space operations and enhance space domain awareness, showcasing the Space Force's focus on quickly responding to threats in a congested space environment.
Alongside this, the company secured substantial funding that will allow it to expand its operations and advance its OTV technology. With a proven track record of successful missions and strategic partnerships with the Department of Defense, Impulse is well-positioned to lead in the growing market for responsive satellite services.
Freddie
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Company
Funding (last 2 of 6 rounds)
Jun 2025
$300m
SERIES C
Oct 2024
$150m
SERIES B
Total funding: $585m
Company benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision: Enjoy the best medical, dental and optical coverage money can buy. We've got you and your family covered for all eventualities
- Company Ownership: You’ll be contributing to Impulse's success, so you deserve to share in it. All full-time employees receive a meaningful equity allocation
- Flexible PTO Policy: We believe in work-life harmony more so than "balance". When you are happy & fulfilled outside of work, you will be more productive when you're in it. We offer generous PTO accrual to our full-time employees
Company HQ
South Redondo, Redondo Beach, CA
Leadership
Thomas Mueller
(Founder, CEO & CTO)Prior to founding Impulse Space in 2021, they spent almost 2 decades at SpaceX, initially as a VP of Propulsion Engineering before becoming the Propulsion CTO.
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