Manager, Propulsion Engineering

ExoTerra Resource LLC; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ExoTerra, now part of Voyager Technologies, seeks a full-time Electric Propulsion Manager to lead the propulsion engineering team in design, analysis, and test activities for sub-kilowatt Hall thrusters and related systems.

The role requires 7+ years in electric propulsion, with at least 4 years in Hall thruster experience, and demonstrated leadership for mentoring and staff development. Strong communication and space-grade design experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent technical field.
• 7+ years in design, development, and flight of electric propulsion systems (≥4 years with Hall thrusters).
• Domain expertise in one or more electric thruster development areas.
• Proven experience across the electric thruster lifecycle.
• Understanding of low-cost electric thruster manufacturing and acceptance testing.
• Leadership or management experience with mentoring.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience designing for the space environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Hall-effect thruster and propellant systems development team.
• Provide technical oversight and review staff work for technical integrity.
• Conduct annual performance reviews and promotions in coordination with HR.
• Mentor staff and establish development goals.
• Coordinate with Program Managers to determine resource needs and staff assignments.
• Lead engineering and failure review boards in the functional area.
• Manage Hall thruster test facility development and utilization.
• Develop verification and validation plans for Hall thruster and propellant systems.
• Define manufacturing and test plans to produce low-cost Hall thrusters.
• Collaborate with other subsystem teams on Hall thruster components.

Skills

Leadership

Propulsion engineering

Team management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

PhD (desired)

Job description

ExoTerra designs and manufactures the propulsion systems that move spacecraft farther, longer, and more efficiently. As a leader in electric propulsion, we develop and produce Hall thrusters, propulsion modules, and power electronics at scale, supporting a growing range of space missions and constellations. Our propulsion solutions serve space exploration, defense, and commercial programs.

ExoTerra is now part of Voyager Technologies, an innovative defense, national security, and space technology company committed to delivering transformative, mission-critical solutions. Together, we tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from ground to space.

Position Summary

We are seeking a full-time Electric Propulsion Manager to manage the Propulsion engineering team's design, analysis, and test activities for sub-kilowatt Hall-effect thrusters, propellant flow control systems, and pressure management systems. This senior-level position requires strong functional management skills and the ability to work independently, solve complex problems, and effectively delegate tasks across the team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Hall-effect thruster and propellant systems development team
• Provide technical oversight of functional area and review staff work for technical integrity
• Conduct annual performance reviews, promotion recommendations, and disciplinary actions in coordination with HR
• Mentor and train staff; establish and track individual development goals
• Coordinate with Program Managers and IPT Leads to determine resource needs and assign staff based on company priorities
• Lead engineering and failure review boards on topics within functional area
• Manage Hall thruster test facility development and utilization
• Develop Hall thruster and propellant systems verification and validation plans
• Define manufacturing and test plans to produce low-cost Hall thrusters
• Collaborate with other subsystem team members on Hall thruster component development

Required Qualifications

• At least a bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent technical field
• 7+ years of experience in the design, development, and flight of electric propulsion systems, including at least 4 years specifically with Hall thrusters (graduate work may count toward total experience)
• Domain expertise in one or more areas of electric thruster development
• Proven experience across the electric thruster development lifecycle
• Understanding of low-cost electric thruster manufacturing and acceptance testing
• Leadership or management experience with a demonstrated history of mentoring
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience designing for the space environment

Desired Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent industry experience in a field relevant to Hall thruster development