Mechanical Engineer (COPVs)

Impulse Space • Redondo Beach, CA

8d • $95,000 - $120,000

About The Position

As a Mechanical Engineer at Impulse 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. This role is suitable for individuals with or without experience with COPVs although it is crucial that the individual has a passion for the products and composites.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 2+ years’ experience working with composite materials
• 2+ years demonstrated experience designing and analyzing structural hardware
• Passion for working with composites, COPVs, and high-pressure systems
• Hands on experience fabricating composite parts either at university or in industry
• Strong 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 winding
• Proficiency with CAD software and ability to learn new tools
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively across different teams
• Ability to communicate technical challenges, explain rationale and/or resolve concerns

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 4+ years of demonstrated experience designing and analyzing highly performant structures with space-flown hardware
• Experience developing COPVs shown to be used in ground or space applications
• Experience with structural testing, validation, and correlation methods
• Experience working on a spacecraft or launch vehicle development effort
• Experience in a startup or agile development environment
• Experience with NX, Teamcenter, Abaqus, and Woundsim

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, build, test, and document both innovative COPVs and COPV mounting structures
• Formulate the comprehensive cradle to grave Road Map for your hardware
• Automate COPV development and processes to streamline design, analysis, and documentation
• Work with and strengthen relationships with key suppliers who support COPV processes, components, and materials
• Size COPVs for future vehicles understanding system requirements and trade space
• Support first article build through the ramp to production in collaboration with the manufacturing team, rolling in DFM and reliability improvements
• Support development and qualification test campaigns in collaboration with the test team, creating test plans to gather key learnings and demonstrate flightworthiness
• Establish driving load cases and environments in collaboration with the loads/dynamics and thermal teams
• Collaborate effectively and frequently with manufacturing working on the shop floor to understand fabrication processes, incorporate feedback, and address needs

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