Satellite Structural Engineer

Role Summary

This is an exhilarating opportunity to join a rapidly growing space company and contribute to pioneering, cutting-edge propulsion technology unmatched anywhere in the world. As a vital member of our team, you will play a crucial role in launching the world's first air-breathing ion propulsion system into orbit. Your personal responsibility will include providing structural integrity of our air-breathing ion propulsion system during launch.

This is more than a job – it's a chance to write your name in one of the most important spacecraft missions in space technology, which will unlock currently inaccessible ultra-low orbits for satellites and become the world's first in-situ resource utilization in the history of spaceflight.

About NewOrbit

NewOrbit is developing the first hybrid of an aircraft and a satellite using Air-breathing Electric Propulsion. While aircraft operate at altitudes of up to 20 km and conventional satellites above 450 km, there exists no technology that can consistently operate at altitudes between 20 km and 450 km. NewOrbit addresses this by developing the first satellite capable of bridging this gap.

At NewOrbit, we have developed a revolutionary air-breathing ion propulsion system that allows satellites to operate in ultra-low Earth orbits of 180km, three times lower than the current lowest operational altitude of the satellites. This unique technology enables us to access and explore a layer of the atmosphere previously deemed inoperable.

Operating much closer to the Earth's surface offers significant improvements in observation and connectivity. This proximity allows for much better resolution in satellite imaging, enabling new applications in high-precision environmental monitoring and wildfire prevention. It also opens possibilities for global direct-to-phone satellite internet coverage, among other game-changing applications, at self-cleaning altitudes free of space debris.

Please note that we are an early-stage start-up and that this is not a regular 9-5 job, but that we are an early-stage start-up, which requires a lot of commitment and passion for space technology.

Your Role

NewOrbit's flagship product is a satellite capable of operating in extremely low orbits, with the first propulsion demonstration mission coming soon. We're seeking an experienced Aerospace Stress Engineer to lead the design and development of the next generation of our air-breathing ion propulsion system, collaborating with other mechanical and test engineers.

You should possess strong knowledge in structural dynamic modeling to identify necessary structural design changes for safely launching our satellite into orbit. Your role will involve bringing space experience in the modeling and testing structures and taking full ownership of all structural analyses to ensure the success of our upcoming mission.

Please note that this role is not a typical 9-5 job and requires a great deal of passion and dedication to space technology.

What we are looking for

1. We are looking for an aerospace engineer who can solve satellite’s frame dynamics problems through conducting stress analysis and test for our satellite and propulsion structures.

2. You need to have a strong understanding of materials, alloys, strength, stiffness, stresses, vibrations, resonances, mechanical, acoustic and shock loads.

3. Several years of experience in using FEM software for simulation and analysis of complex structures is required (e.g., ANSYS).

4. Ideally experience with analysis and identification of the structural changes required to safely pass various vibration and shock ground tests required for a satellite.

5. You should be accustomed to working at a high pace in a highly collaborative environment to produce rapid product iterations.

Why NewOrbit

Pioneering Space Technology Join NewOrbit and contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space next year. Your work on our revolutionary air-breathing ion propulsion system will redefine satellite operations in ultra-low Earth orbits.

Unmatched Ownership and Impact At NewOrbit, you'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology development and face diverse challenges in preparing our propulsion for space.

Equity and Competitive Salary NewOrbit offers not just competitive salaries but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the pioneering technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success.

Application Process

Our interview process consists of four stages. The initial stage involves a call with Alex, followed by two interviews with our founders, Anatolii and Ruslan. If you progress successfully through these stages, you will be invited to complete a set of technical tasks, which will be reviewed and discussed during the fourth and final interview. If feasible, we would also like to invite you to our facilities in Reading as part of the final interview. Here you will get the chance to meet the rest of our team and tour our laboratories and office spaces.