Principal Engineer, In-Space

The Principal Engineer has extensive experience with spacecraft and/or in-space propulsion system components across the product life cycle (I.e., concept to flight). You will be assigned to the In-Space Integrated Product Team (IPT) to help shape the technical direction of the team, shape current and future technology development to the needs of the industry, both existing and novel, and execute the current technical roadmap. You will serve as a judge of technical readiness to proceed throughout the program lifecycle, including milestone design reviews 

Responsibilities: 

Key Responsibility #1: Spacecraft Propulsion Subject Matter Expert 

You are a subject matter expert in a spacecraft system, subsystem, or analysis technique.    

• Research into heritage and state of the art design, performance, and operation of the subject of expertise 
• Collaboration with design, analysis, manufacturing, and other engineering disciplines to apply your expertise to the In-Space IPT development programs 
• Propose novel concepts for solving existing-program problems as well as business development avenues 
• Creation and approval of technical documents in your area of expertise 
• Mentor others in your area of expertise 

Key Responsibility #2: Spacecraft System Design and Architecture Technical Advisor 

• Define propulsion system top level requirements and objectives for new system concepts and/or changes to current systems and components 
• Evaluate various component and system architecture options to determine the best design to achieve the customer’s mission objectives 
• Provide initial sizing for components across the propulsion system and perform trade studies to evaluate optimized architecture configuration 
• Define propulsion system requirements, detailed piping and instrumentation diagram, concepts of operation, and FMECA 
• Develop and mentor less experienced engineers in use of tools for spacecraft propulsion component and system design and analysis, operation concepts, and best practices. 
• Support range safety approval and provide mission assurance support for fielded systems 
• Collaborate with the In-Space product team to shape technical roadmap 
• Interface with potential customers to align needs with the In-Space technical roadmap  

Required Qualifications:  

• Minimum of a B.S. degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering 
• 15+ years’ experience with spacecraft, specifically propulsion 
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, startup environment 
• On-site, hands-on presence to oversee qualification of hardware and flight readiness 
• Experience writing and reviewing component and system specifications 
• Design or development experience in one or more of the following areas: 
• Mechanical design of valves, tanks, satellite structures 
• Chemical and electric propulsion for space applications 
• Orbital mechanics and mission design and analysis 
• Working knowledge of compressible flows and thermal management of spacecraft 
• Deep understanding of industry specifications including qualification, range safety, and rideshare documents 

Desired Experience:  

• Experience with hydrazine propulsion systems 
• Demonstrated success as a project or team lead across multiple programs 
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills 
• Deep historical knowledge of previous spacecraft propulsion programs & missions 
• Experience working at a small company / startup environment 
• Development of spacecraft propulsion systems from prototype to production-capable / flown hardware 

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $150,000- $205,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The salary range for this role is intentionally wide as we are evaluating individuals based on their unique experience and abilities to fit our needs. Most importantly, we are excited to meet you, and see if you are a great fit for our team. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.