Senior In-Space Propulsion Engineer
Join the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) team, where you'll contribute to groundbreaking innovations in the Strategic & Military Space Division. This division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community, playing a key role in national security through technological solutions and expert mission support.
About the role
Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nation’s defense capabilities as a Senior In-Space Propulsion Engineer.
Responsibilities
- Define propulsion requirements for missions
- Create and manage test and development plans
- Monitor the state of the art for SmallSat and CubeSat propulsion systems
- Identify candidate propulsion systems for mission concepts, studies, and trades
- Lead sizing, designing, integrating, and testing of propulsion systems for spacecraft
- Test planning, monitoring, and reporting
- Support planning, execution, and analysis of on-orbit maneuvers
- Communicate results orally and through written reports
Requirements
- Master’s degree in engineering or relevant technical field
- 5+ years of relevant experience
- Previous satellite propulsion experience, including integrated propulsion testing
- Ability to quickly identify and resolve issues
- General knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, manufacturing aerospace systems, and orbit dynamics
- Must be a US citizen and be able to obtain a US government security clearance
- Must be able to travel
Qualifications (Preferred)
- PhD in relevant technical field
- 10+ years of experience
- Previous small satellite and/or CubeSat propulsion experience, including integrated propulsion testing
- Active TS clearance with SSBI
- Experience leading technical developments
- Experience with component-level technology development
- Experience with spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control
Pay
Salary range: $95,000 – $177,000. This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
Benefits
SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.
About SDL
SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.
At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.