Propulsion Operations Engineer

ICEYE; Warsaw (IN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ICEYE is seeking a Propulsion Operations Engineer to support propulsion systems across its satellite fleet, from commissioning through day-to-day operations, both on orbit and on the ground.

You will work with hardware suppliers and the propulsion engineering group to ensure safe, reliable operation and to improve procedures. The role emphasizes ownership, initiative, and teamwork in a fast-growing, global mission.

Qualifications

• BS in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a similar field.
• Basic understanding of orbital dynamics.
• Basic understanding of the fundamentals of electric propulsion.
• Experience working with electric propulsion on an analytic or conceptual basis (e.g. thesis, final year research project, or similar).
• Working knowledge of Python and Git.

Responsibilities

• Oversee propulsion operations, including commissioning and orbit raising activities.
• Handle on‑orbit and on‑ground anomalies related to propulsion systems, coordinating with hardware suppliers on required actions.
• Participate in the definition and improvement of propulsion verification activities on ground.
• Participate in the definition and improvement of operational procedures related to propulsion.

Skills

Python

Git

Orbital dynamics

Electric propulsion fundamentals

Education

BS in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a similar field

Tools

STK

GMAT

Job description

Role highlights

Propulsion Operations Engineer
Department: Engineering
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Reports to: Engineering Lead, AOCS Hardware
Employment type: Permanent
Workplace model: Office
Employment is subject to applicable security screening (incl. SUPO)

The Mission of the Propulsion Operations Engineer

You will bring your skills and passion to ICEYE’s Attitude and Orbit Control domain, where you will provide engineering support to operate propulsion systems across ICEYE’s satellite fleet, the largest fleet of SAR satellites on Earth. This role is within the Attitude and Orbit Control domain, where we are responsible for keeping propulsion systems performing reliably across a fast-growing constellation, from commissioning through day-to-day operations. Your job will be to work closely with hardware suppliers, operations teams, and the wider propulsion engineering group to keep propulsion systems running safely and effectively, both in orbit and on the ground. Expect to be involved across the lifecycle of propulsion operations, from commissioning and orbit raising through anomaly response and continuous improvement of procedures. You will have a direct impact on mission success, as the reliability of propulsion operations directly affects the availability and performance of our fleet.

Who We Are

ICEYE is the world leader in sovereign intelligence from space. We deliver persistent monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to changes in any location on Earth. ICEYE owns the world's largest and most advanced SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellite constellation. To our customers we provide intelligence with unmatched quality, latency and revisit times, in any weather, day or night. To governments who choose to operate their own constellation we provide this proven capability as a sovereign system. ICEYE‑built constellations serve customers in defence and intelligence, environmental monitoring, insurance and emergency management. We enable fast decisions that contribute to a safer future. Founded and headquartered in Finland, ICEYE operates globally with over 1000 employees across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia‑Pacific.

Your day-to-day responsibilities

• Oversee propulsion operations, including commissioning and orbit raising activities.
• Handle on‑orbit and on‑ground anomalies related to propulsion systems, coordinating with hardware suppliers on required actions.
• Participate in the definition and improvement of propulsion verification activities on ground.
• Participate in the definition and improvement of operational procedures related to propulsion.

What we’re looking for

Must haves:

• BS in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a similar field.
• Basic understanding of orbital dynamics.
• Basic understanding of the fundamentals of electric propulsion.
• Experience working with electric propulsion on an analytic or conceptual basis (e.g. thesis, final year research project, or similar).
• Working knowledge of Python and Git.

Nice to haves:

• Experience working with electric propulsion hardware.
• Experience with libraries and/or software used to answer flight dynamics questions (e.g. STK, GMAT).

How We Work (Our Values)

Make the impossible possible: We set ambitious goals and stay calm under pressure. We bring grit, optimism, and ownership when things get hard, and we keep moving until we find a way.

Be curious: Go deep, ask questions, listen carefully, and think critically. Understand the “why” behind decisions.

See the big picture: Stay close to what’s happening across the company so you can make better decisions. Consider how your work affects others.

Drive effective teamwork: Create psychological safety, invite different perspectives, and build inclusive teams. There are no bad questions.

Act as one team: We win together. We match tasks to the right owner and stay agile as priorities shift.

Have fun: What we do matters—and it should be enjoyable. Celebrate progress, take pride in results, and share the wins.

Benefits

Our benefits are designed to support your health and wellbeing, at work and beyond. We keep improving them based on employee feedback, and offerings vary by location. Talent Acquisition will confirm what applies for this role and location during the process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We want ICEYE to be a place where people can be themselves and do great work. Different backgrounds and perspectives make us stronger, which is why we work to create an environment where people feel included, respected, and able to speak up. Whatever your background, we want you to bring your authentic self to the table. We’re committed to fair, inclusive hiring and equal opportunity. Everyone is welcome to apply. If you need any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, tell us—we’ll do our best to help.