Propulsion Engineering Lead

AscendArc; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

AscendArc is seeking a Propulsion Engineering Lead to own the end-to-end propulsion subsystem for a GEO spacecraft, from architecture to test and in-orbit performance.

You will manage electric propulsion (Hall‑effect), xenon feed, PPU integration, test system design, and propulsion supplier selection in a fast-paced startup environment based in Beaverton, Oregon.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of spacecraft propulsion experience.
• Direct experience with electric propulsion (Hall‑effect or gridded ion).
• Demonstrated ownership of propulsion verification — defining test requirements, testing systems, and accepting results.
• Familiarity with EOR and station‑keeping delta‑V analysis for GEO missions, and correlating in‑orbit propulsion performance against predictions.
• Experience driving propulsion supplier selection and procurement of long‑lead propulsion hardware.
• Working knowledge of COPV (pressure vessels) and propulsion safety considerations.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end propulsion subsystem architecture, test, and in‑orbit performance.
• Collaborate with Structures, GNC, Power, Systems, and AIT/mission operations teams.
• Drive propulsion supplier selection and long‑lead propulsion procurement.

Skills

Propulsion engineering

Electric propulsion

Test & verification

Supplier selection

Education

B.S./M.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Come join us in shaping the future! Get in on the ground floor as an early member of our Bus & Electronics team as a Propulsion Engineering Lead developing a revolutionary satellite communications system. Connect the vision to the hardware, build it, test it and fly it.

AscendArc is a startup founded to revolutionize the satellite communications industry. We are looking for doers who want to work in a ground‑breaking and fast‑paced environment. Our success will depend on your energy, skill, and creativity.

Responsibilities

As Propulsion Engineering Lead you are accountable for the end‑to‑end performance of the propulsion subsystem — from architecture through test to demonstrated in‑orbit results. You will own the electric propulsion architecture for a full‑EP GEO spacecraft, including the propellant feed system, thruster integration (Hall‑effect class), and PPU integration, and you will drive propulsion supplier selection and the release of long‑lead propulsion procurement. Beyond the design, you own the verification of that design: you will define the propulsion test requirements, specify the test system and ground support equipment needed to execute them, oversee test execution at supplier and system level, and own the analysis and acceptance of the test results. You will own the EOR/station‑keeping delta‑V strategy and the propulsion analyses that support it, and you will carry that ownership through to orbit — assessing in‑orbit propulsion performance against predictions and closing the loop back to the models. You will work closely with Structures (propulsion mechanical), GNC, Power, Systems, and the AIT and mission operations teams. This is a named end‑to‑end performance role on the critical path to releasing procurement and closing the design.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of spacecraft propulsion experience and B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
• Direct experience with electric propulsion (Hall‑effect or gridded ion), xenon feed systems, and PPU integration
• Demonstrated ownership of propulsion verification — defining test requirements, specifying test systems/GSE, and analyzing and accepting test results
• Familiarity with EOR and station‑keeping delta‑V analysis for GEO missions, and with correlating in‑orbit propulsion performance against predictions
• Experience driving propulsion supplier selection and procurement of long‑lead propulsion hardware
• Working knowledge of pressure‑vessel (COPV) and propulsion safety considerations

Base Salary

The base salary range for this position is $170,000-200,000/year. When determining an individual’s compensation, we consider several factors including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data, so pay for this role may vary from the amounts listed.

Legal Eligibility to Work

Due to U.S. export control regulations, this position is only open to “U.S. persons.” That means you must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or have refugee/asylee status. Unfortunately, we cannot consider applicants on temporary work visas (such as H-1B, TN, O-1, etc.) for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AscendArc is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non‑merit factor or legally protected status.