Electric Propulsion Engineer
Electric Propulsion Engineer

Electric Propulsion Engineer

Reading Full-Time 48000 - 72000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design, test, and optimise electric plasma propulsion systems for groundbreaking satellites.
  • Company: Join NewOrbit Space, a pioneer in ultra-low Earth orbit satellite technology.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, equity options, and comprehensive health benefits.
  • Why this job: Be part of revolutionary space tech and experience unmatched ownership in your work.
  • Qualifications: 7+ years in electric propulsion; strong knowledge of spacecraft systems required.
  • Other info: Expect extended hours as we prepare for our maiden satellite mission.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 Β£ per year.

Overview

At NewOrbit Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight. We are currently building satellites that can operate at an altitude of just 200 km – one-third that of conventional satellites. Thanks to our propulsion system AURA, we can compensate for the atmospheric drag at ultra-low altitudes.

Responsibilities

  • Owning the system and managing the entire testing process.
  • Rapidly iterate new designs, ensuring successful 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.
  • 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.

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of relevant experience in electric propulsion (which could include a PhD).
  • Strong knowledge of spacecraft electric propulsion systems (RF Thrusters, Hall Effect Thrusters, Gridded Ion Propulsion, and other types).
  • Experience in testing electric propulsion, preferably with RF generators, high voltage power supplies and thrust balance.
  • Experience with vacuum systems (pumps, gauges, valves), power supplies, fluidic management (gas and mass flow controllers) and data acquisition systems.
  • Solid understanding of plasma physics, modelling and diagnostics, ionisation processes.

Why NewOrbit

  • Pioneering Space Technology – Youll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary ion propulsion system will redefine satellite operations in ultra-low Earth orbits.
  • Unmatched Ownership and Impact – Youll experience a level of ownership that\’s rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.
  • Equity and Competitive Salary – You\’ll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you\’re a part of our collective success.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package – Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc.
  • Hybrid Work – A hybrid setup with one dedicated remote day per week.

We provide a relocation package and sponsor your visa if you’re joining us from abroad.

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Electric Propulsion Engineer employer: NewOrbit Space

At NewOrbit Space, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of space technology, offering our Electric Propulsion Engineers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking satellite innovations. Our dynamic work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, allowing you to take ownership of your projects while enjoying competitive salaries and equity options. Located in Reading, England, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes private health insurance and annual healthcare check-ups, ensuring our employees are well-supported as they help redefine satellite operations in ultra-low Earth orbits.
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Contact Detail:

NewOrbit Space Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Electric Propulsion Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in electric propulsion systems, especially those related to air-breathing technology. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in NewOrbit Space's innovative projects.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the aerospace industry, particularly those who have experience in electric propulsion. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to make connections and gain insights that could give you an edge in your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to electric propulsion testing. Be ready to explain your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them, as this will showcase your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.

✨Tip Number 4

Research NewOrbit Space's mission and values thoroughly. Tailor your conversations to align with their goals, especially regarding their focus on ultra-low Earth orbit satellites, to show that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the company culture.

We think you need these skills to ace Electric Propulsion Engineer

Electric Propulsion Systems Knowledge
Plasma Physics Understanding
Vacuum Systems Operation
Testing and Data Analysis
RF Generators Experience
High Voltage Power Supplies Management
Thrust Balance Techniques
Fluidic Management Systems Knowledge
Data Acquisition Systems Proficiency
Collaboration with Mechanical and Electrical Engineers
Design Iteration and Optimisation
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in electric propulsion systems. Focus on specific projects or roles that demonstrate your expertise in RF Thrusters, Hall Effect Thrusters, and other propulsion technologies.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for space technology and your understanding of NewOrbit Space's mission. Mention how your skills align with their needs, particularly in testing and optimising electric plasma propulsion systems.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your 7+ years of experience in electric propulsion, including any practical testing experience. Be specific about your familiarity with vacuum systems and data acquisition systems, as these are crucial for the role.

Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrate your ability to manage the entire testing process and iterate designs quickly. Provide examples of past challenges you've faced in similar roles and how you successfully overcame them.

How to prepare for a job interview at NewOrbit Space

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

Make sure to highlight your extensive experience with electric propulsion systems. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, particularly those involving RF Thrusters or Hall Effect Thrusters, and how your contributions led to successful outcomes.

✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills

Given the innovative nature of NewOrbit Space's projects, be ready to share examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This could involve troubleshooting issues with vacuum systems or optimising propulsion designs.

✨Understand the Company's Mission

Familiarise yourself with NewOrbit Space's goals and their unique approach to satellite technology. Being able to articulate how your skills align with their mission to redefine satellite operations will show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios

Since the role involves working closely with mechanical, electrical, and control engineers, think of examples that demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Discuss how you’ve successfully worked in teams to achieve project milestones in high-pressure environments.

Electric Propulsion Engineer
NewOrbit Space
Location: Reading
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