Propulsion Manager

SDFM; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

SDFM is seeking a senior Electric Propulsion Team Lead in Denver, CO to own design, analysis, and testing of advanced electric propulsion systems. You will focus on sub-kilowatt Hall-effect thrusters, propellant flow control, and pressure management, taking a hands-on leadership role throughout the program.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in propulsion development, 4+ years with Hall-effect thrusters, and a proven track record mentoring engineers.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering or related field (or equivalent).
• 7+ years in electric propulsion development, including flight programs.
• 4+ years direct experience with Hall-effect thrusters.
• Subject matter expertise in one or more propulsion areas.
• Experience across full propulsion lifecycle.
• Understanding of low-cost manufacturing and acceptance testing.
• Proven leadership or mentoring experience.
• Strong communication skills for space environment design.

Responsibilities

• Lead and technically guide the Hall-thruster and propellant systems development team.
• Provide mentoring, performance reviews, and career development.
• Collaborate with program management and IPT leads to resources and priorities.
• Ensure technical integrity through design reviews and failure analyses.
• Oversee propulsion test facilities and verification plans.
• Define acceptance test plans and manufacturing strategies.
• Support cost-effective production and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional subsystem teams.

Skills

Hall-effect thrusters

Propulsion system design

Team leadership

Flight program experience

Systems engineering

Technical mentorship

Communication skills

Manufacturing & testing

Education

Master's degree in engineering

Job description

We are partnering with an established and rapidly growing aerospace organization that designs and manufactures electric propulsion systems for small and micro-satellites. Their technologies support space exploration, defense, and commercial space programs, and they operate in a dynamic, project-driven environment within the aerospace and defense sector. The business is part of a larger technology group delivering mission-critical solutions for space and national security applications.

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking a senior Electric Propulsion Team Lead to take ownership of the design, analysis, and testing of advanced electric propulsion systems. This role is centered on sub-kilowatt Hall-effect thrusters, propellant flow control, and pressure management systems.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role suited to an experienced propulsion engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, mentoring teams, and driving programs from concept through flight qualification.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and technically guide the Hall-effect thruster and propellant systems development team
• Provide functional management including mentoring, performance reviews, and career development
• Work closely with program management and IPT leads to plan resources and assign priorities
• Ensure technical integrity through design reviews, analysis oversight, and failure review boards
• Manage the development and use of electric propulsion test facilities
• Define verification, validation, manufacturing, and acceptance test plans
• Support low-cost production strategies and continuous improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with cross-functional subsystem teams across the organization

Required Background

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience)
• 7+ years of experience in electric propulsion system development, including flight programs
• Minimum 4 years of direct experience with Hall-effect thrusters
• Subject matter expertise in one or more areas of electric thruster development
• Experience across the full propulsion development lifecycle
• Understanding of low-cost manufacturing and acceptance testing
• Proven leadership or mentoring experience
• Strong communication skills and experience designing for the space environment

Why This Role

• Technical leadership with real influence over propulsion architecture and team direction
• Exposure to flight programs supporting defense, commercial, and exploration missions
• Opportunity to grow and shape a high-impact engineering team