Spacecraft Integration Specialist (Avionics)

Department: Assembly, Integration & Test

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Redondo Beach

Compensation: $110,000 - $140,000 / year

Description

As a Spacecraft Test Specialist (Avionics)at Impulse you will support the integration and testing of spacecraft avionics systems at the vehicle integration level. In this role, you will be responsible for planning and executing functional, environmental, and system-level tests to ensure flight hardware meets performance, reliability, and mission requirements. You will work closely with avionics engineers, software engineers, automation and controls engineers, and the spacecraft integration team throughout the spacecraft lifecycle-from development through launch readiness. In addition to working directly on flight hardware, the selected candidate will be responsible to maintain the test assets (test racks/carts and required measurement equipment) required to operate and test the spacecraft.

Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and document avionics test procedures for spacecraft and subsystems
• Perform functional, interface, and system-level testing of flight and flight-like hardware
• Support integration of avionics component, payloads, sensors, cables and harnessing
• Operate and troubleshoot test equipment such as EGSE, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, DMMs, and power supplies
• Maintain spacecraft control racks, RF control racks, and other EGSE required to operate the spacecraft
• Identify, diagnose, and resolve hardware, software, and system-level anomalies
• Collaborate with engineering teams to support test readiness reviews, anomaly resolution, and configuration control
• Generate test reports, discrepancy reports, and contribute to qualification and acceptance documentation
• Support environmental testing (e.g., thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC) as required
• Maintain compliance with quality, safety, and configuration management processes

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 4+ years of experience in avionics testing, spacecraft testing, or related aerospace systems
• Hands-on experience with spacecraft or high-reliability avionics hardware and associated test systems (EGSE)
• Strong understanding of digital and analog electronics
• Experience developing and executing test procedures
• Proficiency using electrical test and measurement equipment
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and interface control documents (ICDs)
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team-based environment

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience)
• 7+ Experience with spacecraft flight hardware and mission-critical systems
• Familiarity with common spacecraft avionics architectures and data buses (e.g., SpaceWire, CAN, RS-422/485, MIL-STD-1553)
• Experience with automated test systems and scripting (e.g., Python, LabVIEW)
• Exposure to environmental testing campaigns (TVAC, vibration, EMI/EMC)
• Knowledge of spacecraft software loading, configuration, and checkout
• Experience supporting launch site or on-orbit operations
• Familiarity with aerospace quality standards and best practices
• Experience working in cleanroom enviornments
• Experience with mechanical and propulsion integration of spacecraft (mechanical assembly, torquing, bonding, pressure testing, hazardous operations testing, etc)

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.