Senior Build Reliability Engineer (Propulsion)As a Senior Build Reliability Engineer (Propulsion) at Impulse, you will own the connection between design requirements, manufacturing execution, and flight performance for the propulsion hardware. You will work hands-on with technicians, manufacturing engineers, and supporting teams to prevent defects before they occur, rapidly diagnose failures, and continuously improve hardware reliability across spacecraft builds.ResponsibilitiesIdentify, investigate, and eliminate build defects and failures through root cause analysis and corrective actions both within and outside of your work centersDevelop inspection requirements, acceptance criteria, and quality control processes aligned with hardware and mission reliability requirements. Assist in closeout inspectionsPerform development testing to guide design decisions and characterize hardware performanceProvide design-for-reliability guidance during design reviews and build planningOptimize MRP/ERP system modules for improved hardware trace, data collection, and overall reliabilityBalance inspection and test with lean principles to ensure verifications are both comprehensive and streamlinedDevelop and implement build quality metrics to heighten awareness and to improve quality landscape over timeAct as a specification custodian for inspection plans, storage and handling procedures, process control plans, and moreOwn training and certification of elevated sign-off privileges for manufacturing techniciansInterface with supply chain to improve vendor hardware qualityEnsure hardware integrity by holding the line on quality standards, extreme-owning hardware containments, and driving corrective actions to completionMinimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field5+ years of experience in hardware manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, or high-reliability systemsDemonstrated experience supporting production builds, integration, or test of primary structures and/or complex mechanical or electromechanical systemsStrong problem-solving skills with demonstrated root cause analysis experienceStrong theoretical and working knowledge of GD&TPreferred Skills and Experience7+ years of demonstrated build reliability experience with spacecraft, launch vehicles, aviation, robotics, or defense hardwareFamiliarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar quality systems (practical application preferred over documentation focus)Demonstrated experience with reliability engineering concepts (FMEA, reliability growth, Weibull analysis)Demonstrated background working closely with technicians and production teamsDemonstrated experience supporting rapid development or prototype-to-production transitionsTechnical familiarity with propulsion assembly such as valves, cryogenics, high-pressure systems, injectors, feedlines, and fluid systemsCompensation 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.About Impulse SpaceImpulse Space, the in-space transportation company founded by Tom Mueller, is opening access beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with its fleet of in-space transportation vehicles. The high-energy Helios vehicle unlocks orbits beyond LEO with its powerful Deneb engine, dropping off payloads in MEO, GEO, heliocentric, lunar, and other planetary orbits.
The flight-proven Mira vehicle uses a nontoxic, high-impulse chemical propulsion system to offer orbital transport, constellation deployment, and precision reentry services to customers throughout LEO. Led by a team that delivered the most reliable rockets in history, Impulse provides economical and efficient in-space transportation by reliably and rapidly getting customers where they want to go.Our Hiring ProcessStage 1: Application ReceivedStage 2: Resume ReviewStage 3: Intro Phone InterviewStage 4: Technical Phone Interview(s)Stage 5: Onsite InterviewStage 6: Offer!Don't see the right opportunity? Register your interest and be notified when it becomes available