Electric Propulsion Test Engineer - Hybrid, Equity

NewOrbit; 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 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.