Propulsion Engineer

The Role

You will own the success of propulsion hardware that will be key to the development of a new 20 kW electric propulsion system for deep space missions. Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of engineers, machinists, and technicians to bring designs to life, you will be a primary contributor on a team developing new high power systems and launching them into orbit. In your first 6 months, you will define product requirements, create initial concepts and trades, perform analysis, design development hardware/fixtures, and participate in test campaigns. In your first year, you will validate your designs through prototype iterations and build and qualify flight hardware. 

Responsibilities

• Design and develop next generation in-space propulsion system components and associated hardware

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

• Perform tests on a novel 20 kW Hall thruster, feed systems, power electronics, and hardware-in-the-loop electrical systems

• Operate and maintain state-of-the-art Hall thruster test stands and data acquisition systems

• Drive hardware development, including hands-on development testing, analysis correlation, trade studies, and follow-on hardware iterations

• Manage key propulsion vendors and suppliers through hardware delivery

• Design, development, and qualification of high pressure and low-pressure fluidic components

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

Qualifications

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

• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages (experience can be in a professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting)

• Experience with the practical application of GD&T

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

• Experience with electric propulsion through design or test

• Good understanding and application of standard principles, theories, concepts and techniques in electric propulsion

Nice to Have

• Experience with in-orbit flight operations of electric propulsion systems

• Deep understanding of vacuum chamber operations, thermodynamics, structural design, electromagnetism, plasma physics, and materials properties

• Experience in the development of flight feed systems

• Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting (High Power Rocketry, CubeSats, Robotics Competitions, Formula SAE and Baja SAE, Engineers without Borders, Design-Build-Fly, NASA student launch, personal entrepreneurial ventures, etc.)

• Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

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

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $150,000 + 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.