Principal Mechanical Engineer - COPVs

Department: Vehicle Engineering Location: Redondo Beach Compensation: $135,000 - $215,000 / year Description As a Mechanical Engineer (COPVs) for our Vehicle Engineering Team, you will own all aspects of the design, analysis, build, test and integration of flight composite overwrapped pressure vessels – working with cross-functional engineering teams to accomplish this. This means cradle-to-grave ownership of the COPVs and development of next generation cutting edge bottles to support future vehicles and missions. Leveling will be commensurate with experience. Responsibilities Design, analyze, build, test, and document both innovative COPVs and COPV mounting structuresFormulate the comprehensive cradle to grave Road Map for your hardwareAutomate COPV development and processes to streamline design, analysis, and documentationWork with and strengthen relationships with key suppliers who support COPV processes, components, and materialsSize COPVs for future vehicles understanding system requirements and trade spaceSupport first article build through the ramp to production in collaboration with the manufacturing team, rolling in DFM and reliability improvementsSupport development and qualification test campaigns in collaboration with the test team, creating test plans to gather key learnings and demonstrate flightworthinessEstablish driving load cases and environments in collaboration with the loads/dynamics and thermal teamsCollaborate effectively and frequently with manufacturing working on the shop floor to understand fabrication processes, incorporate feedback, and address needs Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field12+ years’ experience working with composite materials12+ years demonstrated experience designing and analyzing COPVs, SRMs, or similar Passion for working with composites, COPVs, and high-pressure systemsHands on experience fabricating composite parts either at university or in industryStrong knowledge of hand calculations for structural sizing and model validation Strong understanding of mechanics of materials, material failure modes, and associated analysis methods Familiarity with a wide set of manufacturing processes across both metallics and composites such as machining, forming, lamination, and windingProficiency with CAD software and ability to learn new toolsDemonstrated experience working collaboratively across different teams Ability to communicate technical challenges, explain rationale and/or resolve concerns Preferred Skills And Experience Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field12+ years of demonstrated experience designing and analyzing highly performant structures with space-flown hardwareExperience developing COPVs shown to be used in ground or space applicationsExperience with structural testing, validation, and correlation methodsExperience working on a spacecraft or launch vehicle development effortExperience in a startup or agile development environmentExperience with NX, Teamcenter, Abaqus, and Woundsim 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.