Principal Autonomy Engineer (Spacecraft)

Principal Autonomy Engineer (Spacecraft)

Department:

Autonomous Systems Employment Type:

Full Time Location:

Redondo Beach Compensation:

$150,000 - $220,000 / year Description As a Principal Autonomy Engineer at Impulse Space, you will own spacecraft-level autonomous behavior across all mission phases. You will define how the vehicle detects faults, makes decisions, transitions modes, and safely executes mission objectives with minimal ground intervention. Responsibilities Define the spacecraft autonomy architecture, including modes, states, authority, and decision boundaries Develop and allocate autonomy requirements tied to mission risk and operational needs Own fault management, safing, and recovery logic at the system level Coordinate autonomy behavior across flight software, GNC, avionics, and ground systems Define and maintain autonomy interfaces and assumptions Drive system-level autonomy verification using SIL, HIL, and mission simulations Support integration, test campaigns, and mission operations Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Robotics, Systems Engineering, or related engineering discipline 12+ years of experience with requirements, interfaces, and system-level behavior definition Demonstrated hands-on involvement with verification, simulation, or test Preferred Skills and Experience Master's degree in Aerospace, Robotics, Systems Engineering, or related engineering discipline Strong systems thinking applied to complex, safety-critical systems Ability to reason about failures, edge cases, and operational risk Spacecraft autonomy or fault management experience Familiarity with flight software, GNC, or mission operations Experience with state machines, autonomy frameworks, or onboard decision-making Experience with proximity operations, rendezvous, landing, or deep-space mission

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 . 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.