Thermal & Vacuum Test Engineer

Thermal & Vacuum Test Engineer

Department: Assembly, Integration & Test

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Redondo Beach

Compensation: $105,000 - $165,000 / year

Description

As a Thermal &Vacuum Test Engineer at Impulse, you will design, develop, and operate environmental test systems that support qualification and acceptance testing for spacecraft components and integrated systems. The ideal candidate will be responsible for both the engineering design of test assets and hands-on execution of thermal and vacuum tests to validate flight hardware performance under space-like conditions.

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

Minimum Qualifications

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 Skills and Experience

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 LN systems

Knowledge of cryogenic systems, thermal shrouds, or high-vacuum pumping technologies

Ability to manage multiple test campaigns in a fast-paced environment

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.