Mission & Satellite Design 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 completion of the final mission design and component-level architecture.

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 (ABEP). While aircraft operate at altitudes of up to 20km and conventional satellites above 450km, there exists no technology which 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 it’s not a usual 9-5 job, but that we are an early stage start-up, which requires a lot of passion and dedication for space technology.

Your Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and hard-working expert who has been involved in building satellites and missions that are currently flying in space. You will work alongside our mechanical and electronics engineers to ensure the success of our first mission. You should be capable of delivering a mission design from scratch and taking full ownership of it.

What we are looking for

• Basic knowledge of all satellite subsystems with a focus on mission design and systems engineering.

• An engineer who has been involved in building several satellites or missions from scratch, which are currently operating in space, ideally with experience in propulsion system integration or operation.

• We’re looking for people with deep expertise in at least one satellite subsystem, such as attitude control, electronics design, structures, thermal control, flight dynamics, or other areas.

• Good knowledge or awareness of orbit analysis (GMAT, STK), RF link analysis, mass and power budgets, redundancy planning, single-point failure studies, operations, ground segments, space environments, and satellite mechanical and electrical architectures.

• Experience with component selection and vendor outreach.

• Familiarity with the major tests required to achieve space readiness.

• As a member of an early-stage startup, you will be expected to actively participate in the daily operations, growth, and R&D planning of the company.

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.

Historical Milestone in Space Exploration Be part of a historic space mission that will leave a lasting legacy in space exploration. Your efforts at NewOrbit will play a crucial role in this pioneering satellite mission, setting new benchmarks in earth observation and global connectivity.

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 

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.