Materials Engineer, Ceramic Matrix Composites

Impulse Space • Redondo Beach, CA

3d

About The Position

Impulse Space is pushing the boundaries of high-temperature propulsion systems, and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) are critical to our future vehicle architectures. We are seeking a dedicated CMC Materials Engineer to accelerate our development cycles and take ownership of our advanced materials characterization. In this role, you will work closely with our engineering team and specialized contractors to drive progress on next-generation high-temperature materials. You will be the primary owner of our CMC property database, responsible for connecting the dots between how a part is processed, its microstructure, and its ultimate performance in extreme environments like hot-fire testing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Ceramics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of direct, hands-on experience working with Ceramic Matrix Composites (e.g., SiC/SiC, C/C) or high-temperature advanced ceramics.
• Proven expertise in operating and interpreting data from materials characterization equipment (SEM/EDS, XRD, TGA, universal testing machines).
• Strong analytical skills with a demonstrated ability to perform complex data reduction and correlate mechanical/thermal test data with processing parameters.
• Experience analyzing polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) processes or similar CMC manufacturing techniques.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. focusing specifically on CMCs or high-temperature aerospace materials.
• Direct experience characterizing materials for liquid rocket engines, nozzles, or thermal protection systems.
• Strong fundamental understanding of how microstructural defects (porosity, matrix cracking) impact macroscopic thermo-mechanical properties.
• Experience navigating the dynamic between R&D scale material development and productionization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the comprehensive characterization of CMC materials to deeply understand their properties and microstructure.
• Own mechanical property development, ensuring it is published and meticulously maintained.
• Define and execute thermal and mechanical testing campaigns, including flexural testing and torch testing.
• Evaluate materials across the full development lifecycle
• Assess material performance at various critical stages, including pre/post-torch testing, elevated temperature testing, post-hot-fire testing and post-structural testing
• Compile and determine the best and average data across X, Y, and Z orientations for critical properties including ILT, Bearing, ILS, IPT, IPC, Young's Modulus, CTE, Specific Heat (Cp), Thermal Conductivity (k), and Permeability.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques (XRD, SEM/EDS, TGA, GDMS, etc.) to characterize materials in every scientifically useful way.
• Oversee metallography requests and conduct detailed cross-sectional porosity measurements across different processes, locations, and material thicknesses.
• Maintain a deep understanding of pre-ceramic polymer chemistry, focusing specifically on modeling cure cycles and decomposition/pyrolysis reactions.
• Lead post-test failure investigations, investigating failure modes with a specialized focus on the fiber/matrix interface.

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: Mid Level