Senior Propulsion Engineer (Electric Propulsion)

ExoTerra Resource LLC; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ExoTerra Resource LLC in Colorado is seeking a senior Electric Propulsion Engineer to lead design, analysis, and testing of sub-kilowatt Hall thrusters and related propulsion systems. The role emphasizes independent problem solving and ownership of projects from concept through flight hardware validation.

You will collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, perform performance analyses, develop production-ready procedures, and ensure designs meet space environment requirements. A Ph.D.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of related experience in design, development, and flight of electric propulsion systems, including at least 4 years with Hall thrusters.
• Ph.D. or equivalent industry experience in a field relevant to Hall thrusters.
• Eligibility to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Use industry standard tools and methods to perform job duties under general direction.
• Detailed part and assembly design for Hall-effect thrusters and/or flight propellant fluidic systems.
• Perform analyses of Hall thruster and fluidic systems and components to ensure that company products meet requirements.
• Document and implement necessary design changes to Hall thruster detailed parts to meet Design for Manufacturing and Design for Test principles.
• Analyze thruster performance data, electric and magnetic fields to ensure designs meet customer requirements.
• Perform testing on Hall-effect thrusters and fluidic systems ranging from performance measurements to environmental testing; document results and assist with production procedures.
• Collaborate with other subsystem team members for the development of other Hall thruster subsystem components.

Skills

Electric propulsion design

Test system operation

Communication skills

Space environment experience

Flight hardware development

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent experience

Job description

ExoTerra is a world leader in solar electric propulsion systems and space exploration satellites. The company develops Hall Thrusters, propulsion modules, microsatellites and launch vehicle upper stages. We have been awarded multiple propulsion module and satellite contracts.

Job Summary

We are seeking a full-time Electric Propulsion Engineer. The hired employee will be responsible for completing design, analysis, and test tasks as they relate to sub-kilowatt Hall-effect Thrusters, xenon propellant flow control systems, and pressure management systems. This position is open to senior level candidates with closely related experience. Senior level candidates will be responsible for small to medium sized projects or components and will be expected to work with little supervision and solve complex problems independently.

Responsibilities and Duties include but are not limited to:

Use industry standard tools and methods to perform job duties under general direction

Detailed part and assembly design for Hall-effect thrusters and/or flight propellant fluidic systems

Perform analyses of Hall thruster and fluidic systems and components to ensure that company products meet requirements

Document and implement necessary design changes to Hall thruster detailed parts to meet Design for Manufacturing and Design for Test principles

Analyze thruster performance data, electric and magnetic fields. Ensure designs and builds meet customer requirements.

Perform testing on Hall-effect thrusters and fluidic systems ranging from performance measurements to environmental testing. Document test results and customer requirements, assist with the development of production procedures for designs.

Collaborate with other subsystem team members for the development of other Hall thruster subsystem components

Required Qualifications:

• Must be eligible to work in the United States
• 4+ years of related experience (including any graduate work) design, development, and flight of electric propulsion systems, and at least 4 years specifically related to Hall thrusters
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience designing for the space environment
• Experience operating electric propulsion test systems
• Proven experience in the electric thruster development lifecycle
• Ph.D. or equivalent industry experience in a field relevant to the development of Hall thrusters
• Domain expert in one or more areas of electric thruster development
• Understanding of low cost electric propulsion system design, build and test
• Experience operating vacuum and pressurized test systems