Senior In-Space Propulsion Engineer

Cowboy Space Corp.; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings plan

Paid time off

10 paid holidays per calendar year

Paid parental leave

Relocation assistance

Daily lunch and stocked kitchen

Job summary

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. We seek a Senior In-Space Propulsion Engineer to own on-orbit propulsion delivery, guiding electric and chemical propulsion trades and coordinating with GNC, aerodynamics, and mission planning.

This onsite Seattle-based role leads multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-moving space environment. The role emphasizes end-to-end propulsion development, tests, and integration across the product lifecycle, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or applied physics; 5 years experience in satellite propulsion design/build
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams through design, test and integration
• Experience with electric and chemical propulsion concepts and propulsion tradeoffs

Responsibilities

• Identify long-term propulsion strategy for electric/chemical options
• Perform high-level trades to select propulsion for satellite applications
• Design thrusters and lead in-house build, test, and integration
• Lead multidisciplinary teams through rapid design-build-test cycles
• Identify suppliers for propulsion components and interfaces
• Own the integration of propulsion systems on spacecraft

Skills

Propulsion system design

GNC integration

Cross-functional leadership

Trade studies

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Advanced degree in relevant engineering discipline

Job description

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.

Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior In-Space Propulsion Engineer to support the design, development, analysis, and validation of in-space propulsion systems. In this role you will be responsible for providing the systems which move our spacecraft. You will own delivery of on-orbit propulsion - from early trades between electric and/or liquid solutions through test and integration - and work at the intersection of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), propulsion, aerodynamics, and mission planning.

This position is located onsite in the greater Seattle WA area.

Responsibilities

• Identify and lead long-term strategic planning and development efforts for electric and/or chemical propulsion solutions
• Execute high level technical and operational trades to identify the best propulsion system for Cowboy Space’s satellite applications
• Design electric and/or chemical thrusters for in-house build. Lead manufacturing, development and test efforts to close the product lifecycle
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams of more junior engineers, manufacturing engineers and technicians through rapid design, build and test cycles
• Identify suppliers for key infrastructure in-space propulsion system components
• Own the integration of in-space propulsion systems

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or Electrical Engineering, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.
• 5 years experience identifying, designing, developing and/or building satellite or RCS propulsion solutions

Preferred Qualifications

• 10 years experience with satellite and/or RCS propulsion systems, including electric and chemical propulsion
• Systems level experience deriving propulsion requirements for various satellite applications
• Experience managing external suppliers and internal development efforts in parallel
• Physics based component design for performance and manufacturability experience
• Advanced degree in relevant engineering discipline
• Demonstrated experience incorporating test or operational data into thruster continuous improvement efforts
• Experience throughout whole product lifecycle, managing the balance between design, analytical performance, manufacturing, operation and business constraints
• Team and/or software project management experience

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $140,000 – $205,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance if applicable
• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements

• Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants 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. Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion.

Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.