Impulse Space · 2 months ago
Thermal & Vacuum Test Engineer
Redondo Beach, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$105K/yr - $165K/yr
3+ years expImpulse Space is a company focused on spacecraft manufacturing, and they are seeking a Thermal & Vacuum Test Engineer to design, develop, and operate environmental test systems for spacecraft components. The role involves hands-on execution of thermal and vacuum tests to validate flight hardware performance under space-like conditions.
AerospaceManufacturingSpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Design and build thermal and vacuum test assets, including chambers, thermal control systems, and associated instrumentation
Develop and maintain test procedures, safety protocols, and configuration documentation for environmental testing
Operate and maintain thermal vacuum (TVAC) chambers and supporting infrastructure to execute thermal cycling, bake-out, and vacuum performance tests
Coordinate with design and analysis teams to define test requirements, boundary conditions, and acceptance criteria
Perform data acquisition and analysis to verify compliance with test objectives and generate detailed test reports
Ensure system reliability and maintain calibration of temperature and pressure measurement systems
Troubleshoot and resolve issues with vacuum systems, pumps, heaters, and control electronics
Drive continuous improvement in test methods, efficiency, and asset capability
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
3+ years of experience in thermal vacuum testing or environmental test system design
Hands-on experience with vacuum chambers, pumps, thermal control systems, and instrumentation
Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and vacuum technology principles
Proficiency in data acquisition and control systems (e.g., LabVIEW, PLCs, or Python-based automation)
Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and electrical schematics
Excellent communication and documentation skills
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities
Preferred
M.S. degree in a relevant engineering discipline
Familiarity with standards such as NASA GEVS, MIL-STD-1540, or ECSS environmental test requirements
Experience in aerospace hardware qualification and flight hardware certification testing
Experience designing or modifying TVAC chambers, including thermal plate design and LN₂ systems
Knowledge of cryogenic systems, thermal shrouds, or high-vacuum pumping technologies
Ability to manage multiple test campaigns in a fast-paced environment
Benefits
Long-term incentives
Stock options
Medical, vision & dental coverage
401(k) retirement plan
Company
Impulse Space
Impulse Space develops in-space transportation technology for payload delivery to various orbits.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$525MKey Investors
Linse CapitalFounders FundRTX Ventures
2025-06-03Series C· $300M
2024-10-01Series B· $150M
2023-07-24Series A· $45M
Leadership Team
Eric Romo
President and Chief Operating Officer
Recent News
Business Insider
2025-12-25
Company data provided by crunchbase