Sr Electric Propulsion Engineer

About Orbitt Space

Orbitt Space is developing next-generation
ultra-low Earth orbit (ULEO)
satellite platforms and propulsion systems that redefine sustainable access to space. Our proprietary electric propulsion systems are optimized for compact, high-efficiency, and scalable performance across nano- and micro-satellite classes.

We are seeking a skilled and motivated
Electric Propulsion Engineer
to design, develop, and test advanced plasma and ion thrusters — for ultra low earth orbit.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and development of
  electric propulsion systems
  , including
  gridded ion thrusters, Hall effect thrusters, RF plasma thrusters, and air-breathing electric propulsion systems
  .
• Perform
  numerical and analytical modeling
  of plasma discharge, ion optics, beam neutralization, and overall thruster performance.
• Develop
  RF power systems
  and
  propellant feed subsystems
  integrated with ion and plasma sources.
• Conduct
  vacuum chamber testing
  for plasma ignition, discharge characterization, and thrust performance evaluation.
• Implement
  test automation
  and
  closed-loop control systems
  using
  LabVIEW
  for thruster performance testing and diagnostics.
• Support
  thruster control electronics
  development, including power conditioning, grid voltage regulation, and discharge control.
• Analyze experimental data, generate
  test reports, design documentation, and performance summaries
  .
• Collaborate with
  electronics, mechanical, and thermal design teams
  for seamless system integration.
• Support
  mission analysis and thruster sizing
  for different orbital regimes (LEO, ULEO, ULEO).

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in
  Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Plasma Physics
  , or a related field.
• Minimum 4 years of hands-on experience post-degree
  in
  Plasma
  and/or
  Propulsion systems development
  .
• Strong foundation in
  electric propulsion principles
  , plasma generation, and beam dynamics.
• Practical experience with
  hall effect thrusters, gridded ion thrusters
  or
  ion optics design
  .
• Proficiency with
  vacuum systems
  ,
  high-voltage power supplies
  , and
  RF power electronics
  .
• Hands-on experience with
  test automation and closed-loop control
  using
  LabVIEW
  .
• Familiarity with
  diagnostic instruments
  such as Langmuir probes, Faraday cups, thrust balances, and mass spectrometers.
• Proficiency in
  COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS, MATLAB, and Simulink
  for modeling and simulation.
• Strong understanding of
  DC-DC converter design
  ,
  control loops
  , and
  signal conditioning
  .
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and teamwork skills.

Preferred Experience

• Prior work on
  gridded ion thrusters, Hall effect thrusters, or RF plasma sources
  .
• Knowledge of
  ion optics fabrication
  ,
  beam neutralizer design
  , and
  space-qualified grid materials
  (e.g., molybdenum, graphite).
• Experience with
  mass flow controllers
  and
  propellant flow systems
  (argon, xenon, krypton).
• Familiarity with
  CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA)
  for thermal and mechanical integration.
• Exposure to
  space system integration
  ,
  environmental testing
  , or
  vacuum-compatible hardware
  .
• Experience in
  space R&D labs or space propulsion startups
  .

Tools & Platforms

• Simulation:
  COMSOL Multiphysics, MATLAB, Simulink, ANSYS
• Control & Testing:
  LabVIEW, NI DAQ, Oscilloscope, Vacuum Instrumentation
• Project Management:
  Jira (Atlassian), Confluence, Notion
• Documentation:
  MS Office, Excel, Power point

Why Join Orbitt Space

Work on frontier technologies – Plasma thrusters, Advanced Power systems, and next-gen propulsion systems.

R&D-focused role with direct technical ownership and innovation opportunities.

Exposure to the space technology ecosystem — direct contribution to flight hardware development.

Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

Fast career growth in a rapidly scaling deep-tech startup environment.

Access to advanced lab infrastructure and cutting-edge test equipment.

Collaborative and innovation-driven culture that values creativity and experimentation.

Opportunities for publication, patents, and conference participation in collaboration with top research institutions.