Senior In-Space Propulsion Engineer Verified today
About Cowboy Space
Cowboy Space is building infrastructure for space-based solar energy. We design modular, scalable satellites that collect sunlight in Low Earth Orbit, transmit energy via infrared lasers, power on-orbit high-performance computing, and provide secure optical data transport. This enables direct, on-demand energy distribution and data processing from space to support the expanding orbital economy, in-space servicing and manufacturing, remote regions, and military bases.
About the Role
We seek a Senior In-Space Propulsion Engineer to lead design, development, analysis and validation of in-space propulsion systems. You will own delivery of on-orbit propulsion from early trades between electric and chemical solutions through test and integration. You will work at the intersection of guidance, navigation and control (GNC), propulsion, aerodynamics and mission planning.
Responsibilities
- Identify and lead long-term strategic planning and development efforts for electric and/or chemical propulsion solutions
- Execute high-level technical and operational trades to identify the best propulsion system for Cowboy Space's satellite applications
- Design electric and/or chemical thrusters for in-house build; lead manufacturing, development and test efforts to close the product lifecycle
- Lead multi-disciplinary teams of junior engineers, manufacturing engineers and technicians through rapid design, build and test cycles
- Identify suppliers for key in-space propulsion system components
- Own the integration of in-space propulsion systems
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree
- 5 years experience identifying, designing, developing and/or building satellite or RCS propulsion solutions
Preferred Qualifications
- 10 years experience with satellite and/or RCS propulsion systems, including electric and chemical propulsion
- Systems-level experience deriving propulsion requirements for various satellite applications
- Experience managing external suppliers and internal development efforts in parallel
- Physics-based component design for performance and manufacturability
- Advanced degree in relevant engineering discipline
- Demonstrated experience incorporating test or operational data into thruster continuous improvement efforts
- Experience throughout whole product lifecycle, managing balance between design, analytical performance, manufacturing, operation and business constraints
- Team and/or software project management experience
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary: $140,000 - $205,000 annually
- Equity in Cowboy Space Corp
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Paid time off
- 10 paid holidays per calendar year
- Paid parental leave
- Relocation assistance if applicable
- Daily lunch in office and fully stocked kitchen
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.