Electric Propulsion Test Engineer - Reading

microTECH Global Limited; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

microTECH Global LTD is seeking an on-site propulsion test engineer to work closely with our propulsion engineers. You will plan and own propulsion test campaigns supporting NEO-1 and customer thruster deliveries, and design and build test rigs and equipment.

You will operate the vacuum system, RF generators, high‑voltage supplies and thrust balance during tests, run plasma diagnostics and data acquisition, and document results with traceable evidence for verification.

Qualifications

• Experience planning and running propulsion test campaigns.
• Experience with vacuum systems (pumps, gauges, valves) and data acquisition.
• Knowledge of RF generators, high-voltage power supplies and thrust balances.
• Familiarity with plasma diagnostics and ion propulsion concepts.
• Rigorous approach to test planning and documentation.
• Willingness to work extended hours on-site.

Responsibilities

• Plan and own propulsion test campaigns that support NEO-1 and customer thruster deliveries.
• Design and implement test rigs and equipment for propulsion testing.
• Asemble and maintain test hardware, electronics and vacuum facilities.
• 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 to drive iterations.
• Keep clear records of test configurations and results for verification and qualification.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical and control engineers to integrate/test new iterations.

Skills

Propulsion test planning

RF generators

High voltage power supplies

Thrust balance

Vacuum systems

Data acquisition

Plasma diagnostics

Test planning

Documentation

Tools

Vacuum systems

Power supplies

Data acquisition systems

Job description

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.

Plan 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.

Essential

• 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.