Electric Propulsion Engineer

Responsibilities

• As Electric Propulsion Engineer, you own the design of that thruster: you calculate it, design it, build it, test it in our own vacuum facilities and feed what you learn straight into the next iteration.
• You own the testing of your own designs, and your results decide what flies.

Design

• Own the design of our RF gridded ion thruster and its performance calculations, from concept to flight configuration.
• Iterate rapidly to support NEO-1 and our customer thruster deliveries.
• Work with mechanical, electrical and control engineers on each new iteration of the ion propulsion system.

Build and test

• Design and build the test rigs and equipment for propulsion testing.
• Assemble and operate test hardware, electronics and vacuum facilities.
• Run electric propulsion tests on your own designs and analyse the results.
• Plan and run the test campaigns for your own designs.

Verify

• Turn test results into design changes, then re-test.
• Document every test configuration and result so it gives traceable evidence for system verification and qualification.
• Strong knowledge of RF gridded ion thrusters, including RF plasma generation, ion optics and neutralisation.

Preferred

• Scripting for data analysis and test automation (Python or MATLAB).

Essential

• Hands-on electric propulsion testing, ideally with RF generators, high-voltage power supplies and thrust balances.
• Experience with vacuum systems (pumps, gauges, valves), power supplies, fluid management (high-pressure gas tanks, mass flow controllers) and data acquisition.
• Solid grounding in plasma physics, modelling, diagnostics and ionisation processes.
• Willingness to design, build and test your own hardware, and to work extended hours on-site.

Nice to have

• Experience taking a thruster from design through qualification to flight hardware.
• Experience running thrusters on more than one propellant, such as xenon, krypton or air.
• We are recruiting across propulsion design and test. Apply to whichever role fits you best - strong candidates may be considered for either.
• Why NewOrbit Space?

Pioneering space technology

Your work on our RF gridded ion thrusters and VLEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and challenge traditional LEO.

Ownership and impact

You'll have a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry, and you'll take part in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.

Equity and competitive salary

Alongside a competitive salary you receive a company ownership stake, so you share in the technology you help build and in our collective success.

Comprehensive benefits

Private health insurance with dental and optical cover, and annual health check-ups.

Hybrid working

One dedicated remote day per week.

Visa sponsorship and relocation support

We sponsor visas and provide relocation support for candidates moving to join us.