In-Space Propulsion Lead Verified today

About this role

As In-Space Propulsion Lead you own in-space propulsion for everything the new organization flies. The products this group builds will draw on the full range of in-space propulsion, from storable and cryogenic chemical systems to electric propulsion and the architectures that follow them. You will define the propulsion architecture for the group's products, lead the build-versus-acquire-versus-partner decision with real supplier and acquisition diligence, and carry the selected systems through design, qualification and flight. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.

Key responsibilities

• Define the propulsion architecture for the group's products: thrust, Isp and mass trades, propellant and propulsion-class selection, feed system approach, dwell and refuelability.
• Lead build-versus-acquire-versus-partner decisions for propulsion: technical and production diligence on suppliers and acquisition targets, cost and schedule models, and a recommendation to the leadership team.
• Own the design, analysis, manufacturing plan, test plan and qualification of the selected propulsion systems, from thrusters through feed system, tanks and pressurization.
• Own propellant management over the mission life: thermal control, pressurization, leakage and propellant budgets.
• Establish propulsion test capability, from component to system-level hot fire, using existing Stoke infrastructure where it fits and specifying new capability where it does not.
• Provide propulsion inputs to mission design and vehicle architecture trades partnering with various leads to develop the full system.
• Lead root-cause investigations, risk mitigation, schedules and budgets for propulsion development.
• Help grow the propulsion team as the product matures.

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace or chemical engineering, physics or a related field.
• 10+ years of propulsion experience, including in-space propulsion flight hardware you were accountable for from design through qualification and flight.
• Hands-on experience with at least one class of in-space propulsion (chemical or electric) carried through qualification, and working knowledge of the others.
• Experience leading a propulsion team or program, with accountability for its technical output, schedule and budget.
• Strong fundamentals in combustion, heat transfer, fluid flow, and pressurization and propellant management systems.
• Experience owning test campaigns, from test plans through hot fire and anomaly resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to make rapid, well-reasoned propulsion architecture decisions with incomplete information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead and to follow.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience across more than one propulsion class or thrust regime: high-thrust chemical (storable, green or cryogenic), electric, or multi-mode combinations.
• Propulsion for long-duration spacecraft (GEO, cislunar, multi-year LEO) where propellant management over the mission life drove the design.
• Experience with refueling interfaces, propellant transfer or depot concepts.
• Experience building and managing a propulsion engineering team, including hiring and standing up test and manufacturing capability.
• Master's degree or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering or a related field.

Compensation

• Level 4 Range: $151,305 - $252,105
• Level 5 Range: $176,505 - $327,810
• Level 6 Range: $262,185 - $393,435

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

Benefits

• Equity: stock options for all regular, full-time employees
• Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• 4 weeks' Paid Time Off
• 10 days holidays (including end-of-year closure)
• Paid Family/Parental Leave
• On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)
• Dog friendly offices

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (current Green Card holder), or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).