Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer

About NewOrbit Space

NewOrbit is engineering the lowest-orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight.

Our engineering teams are tackling one of the toughest challenges in the field: building satellites that can breathe air and operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. This isn’t for everyone, as the conditions can be hard, and we are seeking only the highest-performing engineers who excel at solving unprecedented challenges.

However, the hard work pays off. Through our satellites, humanity will benefit from improved satellite imagery, direct-to-phone internet, and a self-cleaning orbit free from space debris.

Please note that this is not a regular 9-to-5 job. You are expected to be able to work extended hours on-site.

Your Role

The key to our satellite's ability to operate at Ultra Low Earth Orbit is its Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP) system. As an Electric Propulsion Engineer, you will be responsible for calculating, designing, testing, and optimizing this plasma propulsion system within NewOrbit’s vacuum facilities.

Responsibilities

• Owning the system and managing the entire testing process.
• Rapidly iterate new designs, ensuring successfull delivery of the demonstration mission.
• You will collaborate with our mechanical, electrical and control engineers to test new iterations of the ion propulsion system, ensuring its flawless operation.
• Assembling test hardware and electronics and operating our vacuum facilities.
• Performing electric propulsion tests and analysing its data.

Fundamental Requirements

• 3+ years of relevant experience in the field of electric propulsion, which could also include your PhD degree.
• Strong knowledge of spacecraft Electric propulsion systems (such as RF Thrusters, Hall Effect Thrusters, Gridded Ion Propulsion, and other types) is required.
• Previous practical experience in electric propulsion testing, ideally involving RF generators, high voltage power supplies and thrust balance.
• Experience in working with vacuum systems (pumps, gauges and valves), power supplies, fluidic management systems (compressed gas and mass flow controllers) and data acquisition systems.
• Solid understanding of plasma physics, modelling and diagnostics, ionisation processes.

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

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.