Propulsion Engineering Manager

Orbit Fab; Lafayette (CO); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully covered benefits

Flexible work hours

Discretionary time off

Job summary

Orbit Fab in Lafayette, Colorado, is searching for a Lead Propulsion Engineer responsible for developing propulsion products and leading a functional team. This role involves system design, vendor management, and guiding projects from concept through the production phase.

The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in propulsion systems and a strong ability to manage technical teams to meet project milestones. The position offers hybrid work options and fully covered benefits.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in design, development, and/or testing for spacecraft fluid and propulsion systems.
• Track record of executing and producing space hardware from prototyping to production.
• Experience with storable chemical propellant systems or components.

Responsibilities

• Develop a team for propulsion products and subsystems.
• Support technical architectures and propellant roadmaps for systems.
• Lead technical reviews and effectively communicate with stakeholders.

Skills

Design experience

Leadership in multi-disciplinary teams

Communication skills

Proficiency in 3D modeling and CAD

Experience with storable chemical propellant systems

Tools

CAD tools

Fluid and instrumentation diagrams

Job description

Role

The core function of the Lead Propulsion Engineer is to develop a team for propulsion products, subsystems and support the technical architectures and propellant roadmap for both low and high pressure systems.

The Lead Propulsion Engineer is expected to support the product development of a variety of tasks including requirements development, system layout and design, detailed CAD work, vendor management, part procurement and specification, test definition, test operation and reporting, and active review for critical milestone reviews and test plans. A successful lead will guide the team through system definition tasks required for propulsion and fluid transfer systems in the concept definition phase of Orbit Fab missions, and through the design life cycle phases as the vehicle or subsystems are handed off to the test team. This role requires balancing technical, schedule and cost trades of the product and working closely with the Product/Program manager to meet requirements and delivery dates.

This position is a hybrid work model, requiring time both in our Lafayette, CO office and remotely.

Responsibilities

• Design and procurement of chemical propellant storage, feed, and transfer systems
• Develop requirements and procure propellant tanks and fluid system components for storable propellants
• Coordinate with stakeholders to develop ConOps for the end‑to‑end satellite refueling process, including propulsion system performance for proximity operations, the effects of slosh, and fuel transfer operations procedures
• Lead technical reviews and effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders
• Architect a common propulsion subsystem to support multiple projects and assign resources to support program needs
• Lead and own ICD efforts for the propulsion system by working with cross‑functional teams for ground testing and spacecraft design
• Manage, guide, monitor and grow a functional team through mentorship and technical leadership
• Identify technical issues and proactively implement resolutions to mitigate schedule and cost impacts
• Provide oversight and review of project proposals, and communicate resource needs across functional areas
• Provide SME input in the development of systems engineering products, spacecraft architecture, trade studies, requirements development, verification, and validation plans
• Act as a thought leader, communicating expertise to external interests including customers, competitors, suppliers, and other stakeholders
• Ability to travel (5% to 10% time expected), including international travel as needed

Experience, Qualifications, and Characteristics

• 7+ years of experience in design, development, and/or test for spacecraft fluid/propulsion systems, mechanisms and/or components
• Experience with storable chemical propellant systems or components, fluid and instrumentation diagrams, pressurized systems, sealing devices, pumps, valves and regulators
• Working knowledge of range safety requirements (AFSPCMAN 91‑710)
• Understanding of qualification, acceptance, and proto‑qualification verification approaches
• Experience leading and growing a multi‑disciplinary team to support project development
• Ability to work independently and take on own tasks, including "blank page engineering" and engineering from first principals
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to communicate priorities to meet company objectives and commitments
• Proficiency with 3D modeling, CAD designs, and tools
• Familiarity with spacecraft or component assembly, integration, and test
• Experience identifying, communicating and driving requirement definition and discovery for customers
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Track record of executing and producing space hardware from prototyping, qualification and production

Nice to Have

• Experience working with hydrazine and satellite fuel systems
• Experience fueling spacecraft on the ground
• Electric propulsion system design experience
• Experience with applicable industry standards such as SMC‑S‑016 and AIAA S‑080
• Experience with both low‑ and high‑budget space system development
• Experience taking a product from concept to operation
• Experience with spacecraft and subsystem environment definition (radiation, structural loads, thermal, EMI/EMC, orbital debris, etc.) and design approaches (at LEO, GEO, and beyond)
• General understanding of mechanical manufacturing processes, including machining and welding

Location and Benefits

Orbit Fab is based out of Lafayette, Colorado and all roles are based in Colorado. We offer fully covered benefits, discretionary time off, and flexible work hours.

Eligibility

Some job roles may be limited to US Persons (22 CFR 120.62 “U.S. person”).

Orbit Fab Inc does not discriminate in employment 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.