Propulsion Design Engineer

K2 Space•Los Angeles, CA

12d•$100,000 - $175,000

About The Position

You will be critical to designing the hardware for a propulsion system that will unlock new achievable mission concepts and increase our access to deep space. You will own the success of propulsion hardware that will be key to the development of the highest-powered electric propulsion system ever flown. As part of a multidisciplinary team, your role will involve mechanical design, development, build, test, and analysis of the satellite’s plasma propulsion system. In your first year, you will validate your designs through prototype iterations and build and qualify flight hardware.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline
3+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis
Experience with CAD or FEA software packages
Experience with the practical application of GD&T
Demonstrated proficiency in the principles of mechanical design, materials, thermodynamics, and fluids
Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test hardware from a blank canvas, including troubleshooting and iterating designs based on downstream feedback

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting (High Power Rocketry, Robotics Clubs, Formula/Baja SAE, NASA student launch etc.)
Experience in advanced propulsion technologies, including high-performance engines, in-space propulsion, and propulsion system integration
Familiarity with cutting-edge testing and validation techniques
Deep experience in the development and qualification of high-pressure and low-pressure fluidic components, this may include flight feed system or pressurized tanks
Experience with designing and qualifying avionics enclosures
Knowledgeable on the thrust stands for Hall thrusters and feed system components
Experience with production tooling or product design in either prototype or high-volume environments

Responsibilities

Own the mechanical design of propulsion system subassemblies including critical thruster components, the propellant management system, ground support equipment, and other structural components
Validate your designs through the entire lifecycle from concept to production, and successful flight demonstrations
Generate 3D models, fully dimensioned drawings, and interface control documents
Perform analysis on data from testing hardware, iterating designs, and critical go/no-go calls on hardware performance
Develop and execute component and system-level test plans
Manage key propulsion vendors and suppliers through hardware delivery
Continually own and refine sub-system deliverable schedules throughout development and production