Electric Propulsion Engineer

Job description

COMPANY NewOrbit builds satellites that fly in very low Earth orbit, below 300 km, along with the electric propulsion that keeps them there. Flying closer to Earth means sharper imagery from smaller optics, and an orbit that cleans itself: our satellites de-orbit within a month at end of life, leaving no debris. Our AURA family of RF gridded ion thrusters powers our own NEO-1 satellite, with first flight planned for Q3 2028, and is also offered to other operators. Electric propulsion is what lets our satellites hold very low orbits, and our AURA RF gridded ion thruster is at the centre of it. ROLE 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.   RESPONSIBILITIES 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.   REQUIREMENTS Essential - Strong knowledge of RF gridded ion thrusters, including RF plasma generation, ion optics and neutralisation. - 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. - Scripting for data analysis and test automation (Python or MATLAB). - 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.