Manager, Propulsion Test Engineering

Department: Assembly, Integration & Test Location: Mojave Compensation: $154,000 - $185,000 / year Description As a Manager, Propulsion Test Engineering at Impulse, you will be responsible for testing all aspects of development and production-level propulsion hardware. This team ensures that our propulsion systems meet design intent and performance requirements through rigorous testing, analysis, and validation. As Manager, you will oversee a team of engineers ranging in experience from entry-level to principal, guiding their technical execution, professional development, and collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams. You’ll own the team’s priorities, performance, and culture—driving high reliability, innovation, and speed in our testing operations. Responsibilities Lead, mentor, and grow a multidisciplinary team of engineers, from entry level to principalPlan, coordinate, and oversee test operations across multiple test sites, develop operator training, and ensure safe, consistent, and high-quality test executionManage test schedules, resources, and priorities to meet program milestonesDevelop and track key operational metrics, identifying opportunities to improve test throughput, reliability, and overall team performanceEnsure all test operations are conducted in accordance with established safety procedures, hazard controls, and operational standardsDrive root cause investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement to improve safety, reliability, efficiency, and test qualityResolve technical issues with innovative and resourceful solutionsCoordinate with test equipment, infrastructure, and data systems teams to support current and future testing needsEstablish and maintain high technical, operational, and professional standardsChampion a culture of safety, technical rigor, operational excellence, and ownership Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or a related field5+ years of demonstrated experience in development or production test engineeringDemonstrated success building and developing high-performing engineering teamsDemonstrated understanding of fluid systems, instrumentation, data acquisition, and control systemsProven ability to manage complex test operations safely and effectively Preferred Skills And Experience Master’s degree in an engineering discipline or management field7+ years' relevant experience in rocket, propulsion, or aerospace test engineeringFamiliarity with test automation, data systems, and safety management Additional Information This role is based on-site at our Mojave Test facility at the Mojave Air & Space PortOccasional travel to partner locations may be requiredApplicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents due to export control regulations 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. Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. 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.