Principal Propulsion Engineer, Space

$206,000 - $309,000/Yr

Anduril Industries - Costa Mesa, CA

Full-time - Principal

Costa Mesa, CA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

As a Principal Propulsion Engineer for the Space team at Anduril Industries, you will be responsible for the design and implementation of satellite propulsion subsystems, including chemical, electric, and hybrid systems. This role requires deep knowledge of state-of-the-art propulsion technologies and their application to various mission threads. You will collaborate with multiple teams to enhance spacecraft capabilities and ensure successful operations of propulsion systems in complex missions.

Responsibilities

• Own 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 for transporting fully fueled or pressurized containers within the spacecraft to the appropriate test and launch facilities

Requirements

• Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in 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
• Must be eligible to obtain and hold a US DoD security clearance (Secret, Top Secret, TS with SCI)

Nice-to-haves

• 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

Benefits

• Platinum healthcare benefits covering 100% of premiums for employees
• 16 weeks paid parental leave for all caregivers
• Comprehensive family planning support including fertility treatment and adoption support
• Unlimited provisions for meals and snacks at the office
• Commuter benefits depending on region
• Relocation assistance
• Unlimited and incentivized time off