Electric Propulsion Test Engineer

United States Digital Space LLC; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Visa sponsorship

Relocation support

Equity stake

Job summary

CompanyNewOrbit is seeking an Electric Propulsion Test Engineer to lead and execute the propulsion test campaigns for the NEO-1 program and customer thruster deliveries.

You will design rigs, run campaigns, analyze results from vacuum facilities, and provide traceable evidence to drive design iterations. The role requires hands-on testing, collaboration with propulsion and mechanical engineers, and a readiness to work extended hours on-site.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with electric propulsion testing, including RF generators, HV supplies and thrust balance.
• Experience with vacuum systems, pumps, gauges, valves, and data acquisition.
• Familiarity with RF gridded ion thrusters, plasma physics, diagnostics and ionisation processes.
• Rigorous test planning, data quality, and documentation.
• Willingness to work extended hours on-site.
• Nice to have: plasma diagnostics (Langmuir probes, retarding potential analysers), scripting (Python/MATLAB), and flight-test hardware verification.

Responsibilities

• Plan and own the propulsion test campaigns that support NEO-1 and customer thruster deliveries.
• Design and implement test rigs and equipment for propulsion testing.
• Assemble and maintain test hardware, electronics and vacuum facilities.
• Operate the vacuum system, RF generators, high-voltage supplies, gas feed and thrust balance during tests.
• Run plasma diagnostics and data acquisition, then analyse the results.
• Feed findings back to the design team quickly to improve iterations.
• Keep clear records of test configurations and results with traceable evidence.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical and control engineers to test new iterations.

Skills

Electric propulsion testing

RF generators

High-voltage supplies

Thrust balances

Vacuum systems

Data acquisition

Plasma diagnostics

Diagnostics & analysis

Test planning

Documentation

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

CompanyNewOrbit builds satellites that fly in very low Earth orbit, below 300 km, along with the electric propulsion that keeps them there.

Flying closer to Earth means sharper imagery from smaller optics, and an orbit that cleans itself: our satellites de-orbit within a month at end of life, leaving no debris.

Our AURA family of RF gridded ion thrusters powers our own NEO-1 satellite, with first flight planned for Q3 2028, and is also offered to other operators.

Electric propulsion is what lets our satellites hold very low orbits, and our AURA RF gridded ion thruster is at the centre of it.

RoleElectric propulsion is what lets our satellites hold very low orbits, and someone has to prove that our AURA RF gridded ion thruster does its job.

As Electric Propulsion Test Engineer, you run the test programme that turns designs into verified, flight-ready hardware, using the company's own vacuum facilities.

You work shoulder to shoulder with our propulsion engineers. You build the rigs, run the campaigns, find what fails and give the evidence that drives the next design.

ResponsibilitiesPlan and build

• Plan and own the propulsion test campaigns that support NEO-1 and our customer thruster deliveries.

• Design and implement test rigs and equipment for propulsion testing.

• Assemble and maintain test hardware, electronics and vacuum facilities.

Test and analyse

• Operate the vacuum system, RF generators, high-voltage supplies, gas feed and thrust balance during electric propulsion tests.

• Run plasma diagnostics and data acquisition, then analyse the results.

• Feed findings back to the design team quickly so each iteration improves on the last.

Verify and document

• Keep clear records of every test configuration and result, giving traceable evidence for system verification and qualification.

• Work with mechanical, electrical and control engineers to integrate and test each new iteration of the ion propulsion system.

RequirementsEssential

• Practical electric propulsion testing experience, ideally with RF generators, high-voltage power supplies and thrust balances.

• Experience with vacuum systems (pumps, gauges, valves), power supplies, fluid management (high-pressure gas tanks, mass flow controllers) and data acquisition systems.

• Working knowledge of RF gridded ion thrusters and of plasma physics, diagnostics and ionisation processes.

• A rigorous approach to test planning, data quality and documentation.

• Willingness to work extended hours on-site.

Nice to have

• Experience with plasma diagnostics such as Langmuir probes or retarding potential analysers.

• Scripting for data analysis and test automation (Python or MATLAB).

• Experience with test rig design or hardware verification for flight programmes.

Why the company Space?

Pioneering space technology - Your work on our RF gridded ion thrusters and VLEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and challenge traditional LEO.

• Ownership and impact - You'll have a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry, and you'll take part in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.

• Equity and competitive salary - Alongside a competitive salary you receive a company ownership stake, so you share in the technology you help build and in our collective success.

• Comprehensive benefits - Private health insurance with dental and optical cover, and annual health check-ups.

• Hybrid working - One dedicated remote day per week.

• Visa sponsorship and relocation support - We sponsor visas and provide relocation support for candidates moving to join us.