Propulsion Systems Developer Jobs

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Today

Impulse Space Redondo Beach, CA

Redondo Beach, CA

Today

$160k - $280k/yr Full time Senior Actuators Actuators

Lead embedded firmware development for actuation and control systems used across launch vehicles and spacecraft.

Develop real-time embedded firmware to control rocket engine valves and thrust vector control actuators (TVCAs)
Build control software for satellite propulsion systems, including cold gas and electric thrusters
Implement motor-driven control for reaction wheels, gimbals, and momentum wheels
Create closed-loop control for position, velocity, torque, and pressure regulation
Integrate feedback from encoders, LVDTs, resolvers, current sensors, and pressure sensors
Interface with motor drivers and redundant actuator systems using CAN, SPI, UART, Ethernet, RS-422, and BISS-C
Design and implement safety-critical state machines for thrust sequences, valve actuation, pressurization, and safe shutdowns
Support hotfire campaigns, environmental testing, and in-flight diagnostics
Produce unit-tested, reviewable production firmware for both testbeds and spacecraft

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
5+ years of embedded C/C++ development experience for electromechanical control systems
Experience troubleshooting across the software and hardware stack using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, hardware debuggers, and source-level debuggers
Experience implementing real-time control loops, motor commutation, and actuator calibration routines
Proficiency with servo motors, stepper motors, or brushless DC motors
Strong understanding of low-level hardware and digital interfaces, including I2C, SPI, CAN, and UART

Prior work on rocket engine controller software, including valve sequencing and abort logic
Experience with satellite attitude control systems (ACS), including reaction wheels, magnetorquers, and small thrusters
Familiarity with redundant actuator architectures and fault detection/response algorithms
Exposure to space environment constraints such as vacuum, temperature extremes, and radiation upsets

Salary range: USD 160,000 - 280,000 per year
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data
Individual level and base pay are determined case-by-case based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity
For U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

Location: Redondo Beach, CA (onsite)

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