Anduril Industries

Senior Propulsion Engineer, Space

Anduril Industries$166K — $250K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Strong engineering background in Aerospace Engineering, Orbital Mechanics, or related fields.
  • Ability to quickly navigate complex systems and detailed requirements.
  • Experience with spacecraft propulsion design (chemical, electric, hybrid systems).
  • Proven vendor management experience for propulsion subsystem delivery.
  • Experience with satellite operations focusing on reliability and uptime.
  • Familiarity with orbital mechanics and tracking capabilities.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with minimal oversight.
  • Clear communication skills for documentation and training.

Responsibilities

  • Support various satellite propulsion subsystems across all orbital regimes.
  • Innovate software-defined approaches for autonomous spacecraft operations.
  • Manage delta-V budgets and subsystem sizing for mission requirements.
  • Create and execute test plans for propulsion system validation.
  • Develop fueling plans and procedures for propulsion systems.
  • Collaborate with multiple teams on complex project planning and testing.
  • Engage with end-users to translate needs into practical features.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits at little or no cost.
  • Robust income protection through life and disability insurance.
  • Competitive time-off policies including caregiver and wellness leave.
  • Support for family planning and mental health resources.
  • Annual professional development reimbursement and commuter benefits.
Full Job Description
ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril's Space team is dedicated to expanding our AI-powered capabilities into the final frontier, enhancing Space Domain Awareness, Space Control, and Command and Control for U.S. military and allied partners. We're developing fully integrated hardware and software systems, including Lattice for Space Missions and modular payloads, to address growing threats in space and ensure our Guardians maintain a decisive advantage in this contested war-fighting domain.

WHY WE'RE HERE

As a Propulsion Engineer for our Space team, you will contribute to the understanding and design of all satellite propulsion subsystems to include but not limited to chemical propulsion, electric propulsion, and hybrid systems. You will be responsible for possessing deep knowledge on state-of-the-art propulsion systems and their applicability towards different mission threads. You will assist with the successful implementation of the propulsion systems into the spacecraft system and become familiar with Anduril's ground software enterprise and orbital flight software systems for operations. The propulsion team will work closely with related teams, such as the spacecraft design, GNC, ground, and flight software to help improve both the ground and satellite-based capabilities conducting highly complex missions with maneuvering capabilities but above all else will be responsible for the successful design, test and operations of the propulsion subsystem onboard Anduril's fleet of spacecraft.

This role is directly tied to ongoing, funded programs within Anduril's Space Business Line. The programs require building and fielding a resilient, software-defined spacecraft systems across numerous mission threads. We work with mission partners and customers to deploy reliable and robust capabilities on operationally-relevant fielding timelines to meet complex challenges across the DOD and IC.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Support the spacecraft propulsion subsystems for various spacecraft programs in all orbital regimes and work closely with bus providers for successful implementation
  • Develop modern, software-defined approaches to autonomous spacecraft operations with maneuvering capabilities to successfully accomplish mission objectives
  • Own the delta-V budgets and propulsion subsystem sizing to satisfy mission requirements
  • Develop appropriate test plans and procedures to validate the propulsion system during ground checkout, on-orbit calibration and commissioning and on-orbit operations
  • Develop the necessary fueling plans and procedures for the implemented propulsion system
  • Collaborate across multiple teams to plan, build, and test complex functionality.
  • Coordinate with end-users, other operators and customers to turn needs into features while balancing user experience with engineering constraints.
  • Support challenging schedules during ground testing, launch windows and on-orbit operations of the spacecraft systems.
  • Work with other teams and government agencies to achieve the required licenses (DOT, etc) for transporting fully fueled or pressurized containers within the spacecraft to the appropriate test and launch facilities

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in areas/fields such as Aerospace Engineering, Orbital Mechanics or other engineering degree.
  • Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and detailed requirements.
  • Experience with chemical, electrical and hybrid propulsion sub-subsystem design for spacecraft
  • Experience with managing propulsion vendors for successful delivery against mission and sub-system requirements
  • Experience conducting spacecraft operations and satellite command and control with an emphasis on system reliability and uptime.
  • Experience with orbital mechanics and resident space object tracking capabilities
  • Capable of solving complex technical problems with little oversight
  • Clear communication and organizational skills including documentation and training material
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience with Python, Go, C++ and/or Linux systems
  • A desire to work on critical software and hardware designs in the space domain.
  • Experience testing propulsion subsystems in laboratory environments that mimic the space environmental constraints
  • Experience with testing/validation leveraging FlatSats, Hardware-in-the-Loop testbeds and digital spacecraft simulators through nominal and fault scenarios
  • Exposure to US satellite operations policy and constraints for relevant mission threads in all orbits


US Salary Range

$166,000-$250,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:

Benefits

At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.

About Anduril Industries

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company that develops advanced systems for the military. The company was founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, Trae Stephens, and Matt Grimm, and has since grown to become a major player in the defense industry. Anduril's products include autonomous drones, surveillance systems, and other advanced technologies that are designed to enhance military capabilities. The company has received significant funding from investors and has partnerships with several major defense contractors. Anduril is headquartered in Mountain View, California.
Learn more about Anduril Industries
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
2017

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