Test Automation Engineer, Impulse Space
Propulsion
$105-160k
More information about location
Office located in Redondo Beach, CA
In-space mobility company
Be an early applicant
In-space mobility company
201-500 employees
Be an early applicant
$105-160k
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 engineering, computer science or related field
- Experience developing user-facing software applications related to networking, hardware control and data acquisition
- 2+ years of demonstrated proficiency with python or an object-oriented programming language & demonstrated hands-on experience operating the software
Desirable
- Demonstrated knowledge of basic data acquisition, control principles, and hardware‑software integration
- Experience with software best practices and workflows, including git
- Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working well in small teams
- Master’s degree in electrical, software, mechanical, or aerospace engineering
- Familiarity or experience with Propulsion Systems development testing
- LabVIEW certification (CLAD, CLD, CLA)
- Experience with real‑time operating systems or deterministic control software
- Hands-on experience with design, build, and operation of electrical systems
- Understanding of core networking concepts such as IP addressing, Ethernet, VLANs, and PTP
- Experience in a startup or agile development environment
What the job involves
- As a Test Automation Engineer at Impulse, you will develop and operate the software systems that power our propulsion test infrastructure
- You’ll be responsible for automation, data acquisition, and control software used across our engine test stands, valve test benches, and other propulsion component test assets
- In this role, you’ll collaborate closely with test operations, propulsion engineers, and other cross‑functional teams to ensure rapid, reliable, and high‑fidelity testing of critical flight hardware
- Design, implement, and maintain automation software for propulsion test operations, including near–real‑time data acquisition, control systems, automated test sequences, and user-facing tools
- Implement automation frameworks to streamline setup, execution, and analysis for propulsion component testing (e.g., engines, valves, pressure systems)
- Work closely with the test operations team to continually refine and optimize the software used on test assets
- Participate in the full test lifecycle—from concept and integration to execution, debugging, and iterative improvement
- Review and contribute high‑quality, well‑tested code within a collaborative, fast‑moving environment
- Diagnose and resolve issues across software, hardware interfaces, and test infrastructure with resourceful, hands‑on problem‑solving
- Work onsite with engineering and test teams to support rapid propulsion development
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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