Senior Engineer - Electric Thruster Engineering

Rocketdyne; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocketdyne (Redmond, WA) is seeking an experienced Senior Specialist to support thruster development, qualification, and production of ion thrusters, Hall thrusters, arcjets, or other electric propulsion products.

The Senior Specialist will guide major projects, act as a technical authority, and lead teams to deliver engineering solutions. Requires a MS in aerospace/mechanical engineering with 4+ years of propulsion experience and ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

Qualifications

• Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 4 years of electric propulsion experience or a PhD plus an additional 1 year.
• Experience with electric thruster design, mechanical assembly, or test.
• Strong teamwork and written/verbal communication skills.
• Technical expertise in electric propulsion; knowledge of plasma physics and materials science.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance; dual citizenship may preclude eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare for, and support production and testing of electric thrusters.
• Apply engineering principles to prevent, investigate, and resolve hardware and process anomalies.
• Lead thruster research and development including design and analyses.
• Lead test process development and process improvements.
• Lead project teams to define and implement engineering solutions to meet objectives.

Skills

Electric propulsion

Teamwork

Written and verbal skills

Plasma physics

Materials science

Education

M.S. in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days – totaling 80 hours worked – and have every other Friday off

Rocketdyne is a world-recognized aerospace leader providing propulsion to customers around the world. Our electric propulsion systems enable a wide variety of missions from the exploration of our solar system to global communication and the surveillance of severe weather and wildfires.

We are seeking an experienced engineer in support of thrusters for electric propulsion systems. The successful candidate will support development, qualification, and production of ion thrusters, Hall thrusters, arcjets, or other electric propulsion products.

Essential Functions

As a member of the Engineering senior staff, the Senior Specialist will work with minimal direction and exercise considerable latitude in determining objectives and approaches to assignments. They will guide the successful completion of major projects and may function as a program technical team leader. The Senior Specialist will act as an external spokesperson for the organization on major matters pertaining to strategic plans and objectives. They will serve as a technical authority and provide guidance and training to less experienced personnel.

• Plans, prepares for, and supports production and testing of electric thrusters.
• Uses engineering and scientific principles to prevent, investigate, and resolve hardware and process anomalies.
• Leads thruster research and development including design and engineering analyses.
• Leads test process development and process improvements.
• Leads project teams to define and implement engineering solutions to meet organization and customer objectives.

Qualifications

• Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other related discipline.
• 4 years of electric propulsion experience or a PhD and an additional 1 year of experience.
• Experience with electric thruster design, mechanical assembly, or test.
• Experience working in a team environment and excellent written and verbal skills.
• Technical expertise in electric propulsion and knowledge of related disciplines.
• Expertise in plasma physics and material science and their practical application to electric thruster design and development.
• U.S. Citizenship Requirements:
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level.
  • Must also be able to satisfy federal government requirements for access to government information, and having dual citizenship may preclude you from being able to meet this requirement.

Page Break

• Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
  • Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer; may occasionally lift/carry/push/pull up to 15 pounds
  • May require minimal, climbing, stooping, crouching, and/or bending
  • Must possess vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
  • May require the ability to travel by air up to 10 weeks each year.
  • May require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, and lab coat.