Principal Propulsion Engineer, Space

$206,000 - $309,000/Yr

Aduril Industries - Costa Mesa, CA

Full-time - Principal

Costa Mesa, CA

About the position

As a Principal Propulsion Engineer for Anduril Industries' Space team, 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.
• Develop modern, software-defined approaches to autonomous spacecraft operations with maneuvering capabilities.
• 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.

Requirements

• Strong engineering background in Aerospace Engineering, Orbital Mechanics, or related fields.
• Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and detailed requirements.
• Experience with chemical, electrical, and hybrid propulsion subsystem design for spacecraft.
• Experience managing propulsion vendors for successful delivery against mission and subsystem 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.

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 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 and 90% for dependents.
• 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 available.
• Unlimited and incentivized time off.