Propulsion Engineer, Space

Anduril Industries•Costa Mesa, CA

About The Position

Anduril's Space team is dedicated to expanding our AI-powered capabilities into the final frontier, enhancing Space Domain Awareness, Space Control, and Command and Control for U.S. military and allied partners. We're developing fully integrated hardware and software systems, including Lattice for Space Missions and modular payloads, to address growing threats in space and ensure our Guardians maintain a decisive advantage in this contested war-fighting domain. As a Propulsion Engineer for our Space team, you will contribute to the understanding and design of all satellite propulsion subsystems to include but not limited to chemical propulsion, electric propulsion, and hybrid systems. You will be responsible for possessing deep knowledge on state-of-the-art propulsion systems and their applicability towards different mission threads. You will assist with the successful implementation of the propulsion systems into the spacecraft system and become familiar with Anduril’s ground software enterprise and orbital flight software systems for operations. The propulsion team will work closely with related teams, such as the spacecraft design, GNC, ground, and flight software to help improve both the ground and satellite-based capabilities conducting highly complex missions with maneuvering capabilities but above all else will be responsible for the successful design, test and operations of the propulsion subsystem onboard Anduril’s fleet of spacecraft. This role is directly tied to ongoing, funded programs within Anduril’s Space Business Line. The programs require building and fielding a resilient, software-defined spacecraft systems across numerous mission threads. We work with mission partners and customers to deploy reliable and robust capabilities on operationally-relevant fielding timelines to meet complex challenges across the DOD and IC .

Requirements

Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in areas/fields such as Aerospace Engineering, Orbital Mechanics or other engineering degree.
Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and detailed requirements.
Experience with chemical, electrical and hybrid propulsion sub-subsystem design for spacecraft
Experience with managing propulsion vendors for successful delivery against mission and sub-system requirements
Experience conducting spacecraft operations and satellite command and control with an emphasis on system reliability and uptime.
Experience with orbital mechanics and resident space object tracking capabilities
Capable of solving complex technical problems with little oversight
Clear communication and organizational skills including documentation and training material
Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Nice To Haves

Experience with Python, Go, C++ and/or Linux systems
A desire to work on critical software and hardware designs in the space domain.
Experience testing propulsion subsystems in laboratory environments that mimic the space environmental constraints
Experience with testing/validation leveraging FlatSats, Hardware-in-the-Loop testbeds and digital spacecraft simulators through nominal and fault scenarios
Exposure to US satellite operations policy and constraints for relevant mission threads in all orbits

Responsibilities

Support the spacecraft propulsion subsystems for various spacecraft programs in all orbital regimes and work closely with bus providers for successful implementation
Develop modern, software-defined approaches to autonomous spacecraft operations with maneuvering capabilities to successfully accomplish mission objectives
Own the delta-V budgets and propulsion subsystem sizing to satisfy mission requirements
Develop appropriate test plans and procedures to validate the propulsion system during ground checkout, on-orbit calibration and commissioning and on-orbit operations
Develop the necessary fueling plans and procedures for the implemented propulsion system
Collaborate across multiple teams to plan, build, and test complex functionality.
Coordinate with end-users, other operators and customers to turn needs into features while balancing user experience with engineering constraints.
Support challenging schedules during ground testing, launch windows and on-orbit operations of the spacecraft systems.
Work with other teams and government agencies to achieve the required licenses (DOT, etc) for transporting fully fueled or pressurized containers within the spacecraft to the appropriate test and launch facilities

Benefits

Healthcare Benefits
US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.
Additional Benefits
Income Protection : Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
Generous time off : Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December.
Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching.
Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development
Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.
Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.
Retirement Savings Plan
US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match.
AUS Roles: Superannuation plan.