Sr Electric Propulsion Engineer

About Orbitt Space

Orbitt Space is developing next-generation

ultra-low Earth orbit (ULEO)

satellite platforms and propulsion systems that redefine sustainable access to space. Our proprietary electric propulsion systems are optimized for compact, high-efficiency, and scalable performance across nano- and micro-satellite classes.

We are seeking a skilled and motivated

Electric Propulsion Engineer

to design, develop, and test advanced plasma and ion thrusters — for ultra low earth orbit.

Key Responsibilities

Design and development of

electric propulsion systems , including

gridded ion thrusters, Hall effect thrusters, RF plasma thrusters, and air-breathing electric propulsion systems .

Perform

numerical and analytical modeling

of plasma discharge, ion optics, beam neutralization, and overall thruster performance.

Develop

RF power systems

and

propellant feed subsystems

integrated with ion and plasma sources.

Conduct

vacuum chamber testing

for plasma ignition, discharge characterization, and thrust performance evaluation.

Implement

test automation

and

closed-loop control systems

using

LabVIEW

for thruster performance testing and diagnostics.

Support

thruster control electronics

development, including power conditioning, grid voltage regulation, and discharge control.

Analyze experimental data, generate

test reports, design documentation, and performance summaries .

Collaborate with

electronics, mechanical, and thermal design teams

for seamless system integration.

Support

mission analysis and thruster sizing

for different orbital regimes (LEO, ULEO, ULEO).

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree or PhD in

Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Plasma Physics , or a related field.

Minimum 4 years of hands-on experience post-degree

in

Plasma

and / or

Propulsion systems development .

Strong foundation in

electric propulsion principles , plasma generation, and beam dynamics.

Practical experience with

hall effect thrusters, gridded ion thrusters

or

ion optics design .

Proficiency with

vacuum systems ,

high-voltage power supplies , and

RF power electronics .

Hands-on experience with

test automation and closed-loop control

using

LabVIEW .

Familiarity with

diagnostic instruments

such as Langmuir probes, Faraday cups, thrust balances, and mass spectrometers.

Proficiency in

COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS, MATLAB, and Simulink

for modeling and simulation.

Strong understanding of

DC-DC converter design ,

control loops , and

signal conditioning .

Excellent analytical, documentation, and teamwork skills.

Preferred Experience

Prior work on

gridded ion thrusters, Hall effect thrusters, or RF plasma sources .

Knowledge of

ion optics fabrication ,

beam neutralizer design , and

space-qualified grid materials

(e.g., molybdenum, graphite).

Experience with

mass flow controllers

and

propellant flow systems

(argon, xenon, krypton).

Familiarity with

CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA)

for thermal and mechanical integration.

Exposure to

space system integration ,

environmental testing , or

vacuum-compatible hardware .

Experience in

space R&D labs or space propulsion startups .

Tools & Platforms

Simulation :

COMSOL Multiphysics, MATLAB, Simulink, ANSYS

Control & Testing :

LabVIEW, NI DAQ, Oscilloscope, Vacuum Instrumentation

Project Management :

Jira (Atlassian), Confluence, Notion

Documentation :

MS Office, Excel, Power point

Why Join Orbitt Space

Work on frontier technologies – Plasma thrusters, Advanced Power systems, and next-gen propulsion systems.

R&D-focused role with direct technical ownership and innovation opportunities.

Exposure to the space technology ecosystem — direct contribution to flight hardware development.

Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

Fast career growth in a rapidly scaling deep-tech startup environment.

Access to advanced lab infrastructure and cutting-edge test equipment.

Collaborative and innovation-driven culture that values creativity and experimentation.

Opportunities for publication, patents, and conference participation in collaboration with top research institutions.