Propulsion Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

The Role

You will be critical to designing the hardware for a propulsion system that will unlock new achievable mission concepts and increase our access to deep space. You will own the success of propulsion hardware that will be key to the development of the highest-powered electric propulsion system ever flown. As part of a multidisciplinary team, your role will involve mechanical design, development, build, test, and analysis of the satellite’s plasma propulsion system. In your first year, you will validate your designs through prototype iterations and build and qualify flight hardware.

Responsibilities

Own the mechanical design of propulsion system subassemblies including critical thruster components, the propellant management system, ground support equipment, and other structural components

Validate your designs through the entire lifecycle from concept to production, and successful flight demonstrations

Generate 3D models, fully dimensioned drawings, and interface control documents

Perform analysis on data from testing hardware, iterating designs, and critical go / no-go calls on hardware performance

Develop and execute component and system-level test plans

Manage key propulsion vendors and suppliers through hardware delivery

Continually own and refine sub-system deliverable schedules throughout development and production

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline

3 years of experience with mechanical and / or electromechanical design and analysis

Experience with CAD or FEA software packages

Experience with the practical application of GD&T

Demonstrated proficiency in the principles of mechanical design, materials, thermodynamics, and fluids

Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test hardware from a blank canvas, including troubleshooting and iterating designs based on downstream feedback

Nice to Have

Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting (High Power Rocketry, Robotics Clubs, Formula / Baja SAE, NASA student launch etc.)

Experience in advanced propulsion technologies, including high-performance engines, in-space propulsion, and propulsion system integration

Familiarity with cutting-edge testing and validation techniques

Deep experience in the development and qualification of high-pressure and low-pressure fluidic components, this may include flight feed system or pressurized tanks

Experience with designing and qualifying avionics enclosures

Knowledgeable on the thrust stands for Hall thrusters and feed system components

Experience with production tooling or product design in either prototype or high-volume environments

Compensation and Benefits :

Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $175,000 equity in the company

Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to : knowledge and skills, education, and experience level

Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical / dental / vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged! If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees / asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.”

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin / ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Salary : $100,000 - $175,000