Development Test Engineer

• The Development Test Engineer at Impulse, will lead the planning, execution, and analysis of tests critical to validating next-generation in-space mobility systems
• This role is highly cross-functional, interfacing with design, analysis, manufacturing, and operations teams to ensure products meet performance, safety, and reliability requirements
• Design, build, and commission test fixtures for fluid, cryogenic, high-pressure, cyclic, environmental, mechanical, and structural testing
• Execute tests safely and efficiently, including setup, operations, and troubleshooting during live test events
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities
• Work closely with design and manufacturing teams to ensure testability and rapid feedback cycles
• Excellent technical writing and documentation skills

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
• The ideal candidate combines strong engineering fundamentals with hands-on test experience in a fast-paced development environment. This position plays a key role in maturing early-stage designs into flight-ready hardware
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or related engineering discipline
• Strong data analysis skills using tools such as Python, MATLAB, or similar
• Hands-on experience with hardware in a laboratory or test-stand environment
• A demonstrated understanding of mechanical, propulsion, fluid, or structural systems
• Ability to manage multiple test campaigns in a fast-paced environment
• 1+ years’ professional experience testing aerospace or spaceflight hardware (propulsion systems, structures, mechanisms, avionics)
• Flexible schedule and willing to travel as needed
• 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
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, FEA/CFD results, and system requirements
• Background in designing and automating test setups with NI, LabVIEW, PLCs, or similar platforms
• 2+ years’ experience testing aerospace or spaceflight hardware (propulsion systems, structures, mechanisms, avionics)
• Proficiency with instrumentation, DAQ systems, and sensor selection/integration
• Prior involvement in fast-paced R&D or startup environments with rapid iteration cycles
• Demonstrated ability to develop test plans, execute complex tests, and document results
• Familiarity with high-pressure fluid systems, cryogenic systems, or hazardous test operations