Propulsion Test Automation Engineer

The Role

You will own the successful implementation of the Hall thruster development and production test for both R&D and production. In your first 6 months, you will develop data acquisition and test automation software for propulsion systems, vacuum systems, and test equipment. In your first year, you will validate flight hardware using your proven automation tools, participate in multidisciplinary test campaigns, and incorporate diagnostic probes. In your first two years, you will take on larger propulsion test campaigns and ownership while directly supporting production and qualification testing. 

Responsibilities

• Automate propulsion system infrastructure equipment including vacuum facilities, power racks, and feed systems (design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing)

• Write and maintain production test software code using Python

• Create formal documentation for development and production: test procedures, test reports, standard operating procedures

• Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical test setups and hardware

• Document, compile, analyze, and present test data

• Develop testing and control scripts to conduct safe and reliable test campaigns of Hall thruster propulsion systems and components

Qualifications

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

• +2 years of hands-on electric propulsion system test experience

• Strong background in scripting and programming languages, specifically Python

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

• Experience developing and operating vacuum chambers including operating support equipment such pumps, RGAs, and leak detectors

• Strong background in electronic test equipment and principles of electric circuits

• Experience in test equipment build-up and test operations

Nice to Have

• Experience with testing Hall thrusters

• Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE)

• Experienced with installation/maintenance of vacuum pumps (cryo, turbo, rough)

• Experience with finite element analysis for electromagnetic fields and/or fluid flow

• Experience with Siemens NX/Teamcenter, fluid schematics, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance (GD&T)

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary range for this role is $90,000 - $135,000 + 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.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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 the ITAR here.

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.