Optical Test Engineer II

About the Role

As an Optical Test Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for designing, procuring, assembling, and operating optomechanical test setups while working closely with a fast-paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft from clean-sheet designs.

Responsibilities

• Design and build optical, mechanical, and electrical systems in support of spacecraft optomechanical components
• Fully own key test assets and major test programs while collaborating with wide-ranging teams across the company
• Coordinate with external vendors and contractors to meet project technical and schedule objectives
• Perform test setup, hardware inspections, checkouts, and troubleshooting as needed
• Conduct test operations geared toward rapidly developing hardware for spaceflight
• Resolve technical issues with innovative and resourceful solutions

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, optical, aerospace, electrical engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in hardware development testing
• Strong engineering fundamentals in optical, mechanical, and electrical analysis
• Prior hands-on operational experience working with test facilities
• Previously demonstrated ownership of test stand design and build-up
• Able to identify and procure appropriate test equipment
• Proficient with data acquisition and control methods
• Demonstrated ability to take project ownership and work well in small teams
• Flexible schedule and willing to travel as needed

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.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Advanced degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline
• 4+ years of experience in hardware development testing
• Demonstrated hardware testing experience with star trackers, cameras, lasers, or other spacecraft optical components
• Experience with Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, or similar optical modeling tools
• Familiarity with environmental qualification testing for flight hardware
• Prior experience with optical alignment and precision metrology
• Experience in a startup or agile development environment

Pay

$115,000 - $165,000 / year

Benefits

• Long-term incentives in the form of stock options
• Medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan