Head of Structures, Vehicle Engineering

Impulse Space • Redondo Beach, CA

28d

About The Position

As the Head of Structures of the Helios Kick Stage Vehicle, you will own all aspects of development for the most advanced kick stage in history. With the support of an all-star team, you will own design, analysis, test strategy, implementation, sustainment, and improvement. You will work across disciplines in a fast paced, hardware rich, vertically integrated environment, alongside some of the best to ever do it in this industry. If you ever wanted to own your own rocket, here is your opportunity! Impulse is injecting the space industry with novel new spacecraft that will enable us to go farther and readily maneuver through space like never before. Helios is Impulse's new vehicle , a 3rd stage/kick stage. Launching in 2026, it is designed to take satellites & payloads to GEO for faster & cheaper than today's capability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science or related field
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in space vehicle development or production
• Past results and execution developing, testing, and flying spacecraft or launch vehicles as a technical individual contributor
• Expert level technical knowledge in any of the following disciplines: primary, secondary structures, mechanisms, pressure systems, or other areas related to cryogenic pressurized space vehicles
• Professional experience managing and growing a team
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
• 2+ years of demonstrated experience working in lead roles in space vehicle development or production
• Ownership of the technical development of major systems on a space vehicle or launch vehicle through the entirety of its design cycle: conceptualization, system level trades, design, analysis, test, build, integration, and flight operations
• Experience in a startup or agile development environment

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of all-star responsible engineers working on the advanced Helios Kick Stage vehicle, steering the design of pressurized weldment structures, integrated subsystems, payload accommodations, separation systems, and more.
• Change the high energy orbit, lunar, and Mars industry, engaging with customers and industry leaders from industry, NASA, and government organizations to find creative ways to get their spacecraft where they need to go.
• Determine product improvement, upgrade roadmap by working closely with partner teams, leadership, and business development
• Architect and implement engineering processes to streamline development, test, and sustainment through production ramp
• Drive timely development and execution Helios component test campaigns
• Work with wide ranging teams across engineering, manufacturing, and operations to deliver a reliable, high-performing vehicle.
• Direct technical ownership and individual contributor work across the vehicle

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager