Head of Structures, Vehicle Engineering

Head of Structures Vehicle Engineering Department Vehicle Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Reporting To: Seth Kovnat, Director of Vehicle Engineering Compensation: $160,000 - $185,000/year Description As the Head of Structures of the Helios Kick Stage Vehicle, you will own all aspects of development for the most advanced kick stage in history. With the support of an all-star team, you will own design, analysis, test strategy, implementation, sustainment, and improvement. You will work across disciplines in a fast-paced, hardware-rich, vertically integrated environment alongside some of the best to ever do it in this industry. If you ever wanted to own your own rocket, here is your opportunity. Impulse is injecting the space industry with novel new spacecraft that will enable us to go farther and readily maneuver through space like never before. Helios is Impulses new vehicle, a 3rd stage/kick stage. Launching in 2026, it is designed to take satellites & payloads to GEO for faster & cheaper than todays capability. Responsibilities Lead a team of all-star responsible engineers working on the advanced Helios Kick Stage vehicle, steering the design of pressurized weldment structures, integrated subsystems, payload accommodations, separation systems, and more. Change the high energy orbit, lunar, and Mars industry by engaging with customers and industry leaders from industry, NASA, and government organizations to find creative ways to get their spacecraft where they need to go. Determine product improvement/upgrade roadmap by working closely with partner teams, leadership, and business development. Architect and implement engineering processes to streamline development, test, and sustainment through production ramp. Drive timely development and execution of Helios component test campaigns. Work with wide-ranging teams across engineering, manufacturing, and operations to deliver a reliable, high-performing vehicle. Direct technical ownership and individual contributor work across the vehicle. Minimum Qualifications Bachelors degree in engineering, science, or related field. 5 years of demonstrated experience in space vehicle development or production. Past results and execution developing, testing, and flying spacecraft or launch vehicles as a technical individual contributor. Expert-level technical knowledge in any of the following disciplines: primary/secondary structures, mechanisms, pressure systems, or other areas related to cryogenic, pressurized space vehicles. Professional experience managing and growing a team. Preferred Skills and Experience Masters degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. 2 years of demonstrated experience working in lead roles in space vehicle development or production. Ownership of the technical development of major systems on a space vehicle or launch vehicle through the entirety of its design cycle (conceptualization, system-level trades, design, analysis, test, build, integration, and flight operations). Experience in a startup or agile development 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 401k retirement plan. Impulse Spaces 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.