Degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering, physics, or a related field
Hands-on experience designing, building, and testing Hall effect thrusters
Strong foundation in plasma physics and understanding of thruster failure modes
Experience with magnetic field simulation tools like FEMM or COMSOL
Experience designing and building spaceflight hardware
Proficiency in Python for analysis and test data
Proficiency in SolidWorks
U.S. citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance
Responsibilities
Redesign the existing Hall thruster prototype to enhance performance metrics
Build and test thruster variants using non-traditional propellants
Plan and execute test campaigns at external vacuum facilities
Model magnetic circuits and plasma behavior to inform design changes
Select materials for plasma-facing components to withstand erosion
Collaborate with electrical engineering on power processing unit design
Work with electromechanical engineering on propellant flow control
Iterate from prototype to flight-qualified hardware, including testing
Benefits
Own the thruster central to the company's technology
Rapid transition from design changes to test results
Learn from a founding team with extensive electric propulsion expertise
Receive meaningful early-stage equity
Enjoy medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k), and unlimited paid time off
Full Job Description
Electric Propulsion Engineer - Take a Hall Thruster from Lab Prototype to Flight
El Segundo, CA | On-site
Opportunity Summary
We are hiring an Electric Propulsion Engineer to lead development of our Hall effect thruster. You will take an early prototype, redesign it for strong performance on non-traditional propellants, prove it out in vacuum chamber testing, and drive it toward a flight-qualified unit.
You will work closely with our electrical and electromechanical engineers on the power processing unit and propellant flow system, and you will have real ownership over the core technology of the company.
Job Duties
Redesign the existing Hall thruster prototype to improve thrust, specific impulse, efficiency, and lifetime
Build and test thruster variants that run on reactive, non-traditional propellants
Plan and run test campaigns at outside vacuum facilities, then reduce and report performance data
Model magnetic circuits and plasma behavior to guide design changes
Select materials for plasma-facing components that hold up to erosion and chemical attack over long missions
Partner with electrical engineering on power processing unit requirements, design, and integrated testing
Work with electromechanical engineering on the propellant flow control system
Iterate quickly from prototype to flight-qualified hardware, including qualification and lifetime testing
Qualifications
Degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering, physics, or a related field
Hands-on experience designing, building, and testing Hall effect thrusters
Strong foundation in plasma physics and a clear understanding of thruster failure modes
Experience with magnetic field simulation tools such as FEMM or COMSOL
Experience designing and building spaceflight hardware
Proficiency in Python for analysis and test data
Proficiency in SolidWorks
U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance
Preferred Experience
Graduate degree with research in electric propulsion or plasma physics
Vacuum chamber operations and thrust stand, probe, and plume diagnostics
Cathode design and erosion or lifetime modeling
Materials science background for plasma-facing components
Flight qualification experience on electric propulsion systems
Experience at an early-stage space startup or national laboratory
Why Join Us
Own the thruster at the center of the company's technology
Move from design change to test result in weeks, not years
Learn from a founding team with deep electric propulsion expertise
Meaningful early-stage equity
Medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k), and unlimited paid time off
