Head of Testing Operations

Job Description Description As the Manager of Test Operations at Impulse , you will lead a team responsible for building, maintaining, and operating world class test equipment and infrastructure that supports the development and production of components and assemblies that will serve in Impulse’s goal of pioneering the future of in-space transportation.

You will balance technical execution with people leadership, ensuring your team delivers safe, reliable, and high-quality tests while continuously improving capability, efficiency, and test cadence. Lead, mentor, and develop a team of test technicians while establishing a culture of ownership, accountability, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement
Oversee the fabrication, assembly, commissioning, maintenance, and operation of test equipment, ground support equipment, and supporting infrastructure that includes fluids, controls, and high power
Ensure safe execution of hazardous operations involving cryogenic fluids, high-pressure systems, propulsion testing, and other high-energy testing
Partner with Test, Vehicle Engineering, Manufacturing, Controls, Avionics, and Facilities to define test objectives, build plans, staffing needs, and execution
Drive process improvements through standardized work instructions, tooling, inventory management, calibration and equipment maintenance, and technician training
Support hands-on troubleshooting during test operations, root cause investigations, and rapid hardware iterations to maximize test cadence
Monitor team performance, staffing requirements, and resource allocation while fostering career development and preparing future technical leaders
7+ years of experience working on flight hardware assemblies and/or in a test production environment or a bachelor's degree in an engineering or science field

• Demonstrated experience with mechanical assembly, fluid systems, pressure systems, control systems, high power, fabrication, or propulsion hardware
• Strong understanding of safe work practices around high-pressure, cryogenic, electrical, and hazardous test operations
• Experience using engineering drawings, CAD models, manufacturing documentation, and digital work management systems
• Experience leading technician teams supporting liquid rocket propulsion, spacecraft, or other high-performance aerospace hardware

Hands-on experience with propulsion testing, ground support equipment, cryogenic systems, pressure testing, or integrated vehicle operations
Experience building and scaling technical organizations
Familiarity with Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
Proven track record of developing future technical leaders while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and execution

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). S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.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.