Electric Propulsion / Test Engineer

Electric Propulsion/Test Engineer

Orbion is seeking an Electric Propulsion / Test Engineer to assist in development and production testing. The engineer will be responsible for running development and production hot-fire tests of flight and research hardware in vacuum test facilities. Additionally, the engineer will assist in processing the resulting data, communicating the results, and the development of improved test infrastructure and automated test facilities for propulsion systems and spacecraft hardware. The ideal candidate will have experience with electric propulsion systems and diagnostics, vacuum systems, and test software.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Execute complex tests including in-vacuum, hot-fire tests of electric propulsion devices
• Develop and refine test procedures to efficiently execute hot-fire and other tests
• Acquire, process, and report on standard electric propulsion diagnostics
• Participate in failure investigations, non-conformance reports, and other quality-control processes
• Coordinate, direct, and assist in the maintenance of vacuum facilities
• Assist in the design and development of new propulsion systems

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must meet definition of US Person. 
• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics or a directly related degree.  Bachelor of Science accepted with two years of demonstrated experience in a relevant electric propulsion laboratory.
• Experience with test software and hardware such as: data acquisition hardware, oscilloscopes, power supplies, etc.
• Experience with data processing techniques and software
• Demonstrated diligence in performing complex technical operations
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross functional (electrical, mechanical, software, system, test) teams. 
• Demonstrated technical writing and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with Hall-effect thrusters or gridded ion thrusters
• Experience with EP diagnostics such as millinewton thrust stands, Faraday probes, Langmuir probes, etc.
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of vacuum equipment including roughing pumps, turbopumps, cryopumps, standard vacuum fittings, pressure gauges, etc.
• Experience with LabVIEW and Python
• A solid understanding of applicable engineering principles, business practices, and experience working directly with hardware in the aerospace industry. 

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:   Enjoy a very competitive starting salary based on your knowledge and experience. In addition to the excitement of making monumental changes to the aerospace industry, employees enjoy a flexible work schedule, company paid health insurance, prescription drug coverage, paid time off (vacation, paid holidays, sick days), basic term life/AD&D coverage, contribution matching retirement plan, and employee stock ownership. The position is full time and located in Houghton, MI. Relocation assistance is available.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by state or local law.