Propulsion Manager

Valid8 Financial, Inc.; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Paid time off

Health benefits

Job summary

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

This senior role requires 7+ years in electric propulsion, 4+ years with Hall thrusters, and proven leadership to mentor staff, conduct performance reviews, and coordinate with program managers.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (minimum) 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.
• 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.
• Ph.D. or equivalent industry experience in a field relevant to Hall thruster development (desired)

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.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Project management

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Master's degree in engineering or equivalent

Ph.D. or equivalent industry experience (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

• Master's degree (minimum) 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

Export Control Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Salary Range: $180,000 – $195,000 per year (dependent on experience and qualifications)

ExoTerra offers a comprehensive total compensation package including competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off (PTO), comprehensive health benefits, and various other benefits. When you join our team, you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.

ExoTerra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.