Senior In-Space Propulsion Engineer
About The Position
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth. Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure. About the Role: We are seeking a highly motivated Senior In-Space Propulsion Engineer to support the design, development, analysis, and validation of in-space propulsion systems. In this role you will be responsible for providing the systems which move our spacecraft. You will own delivery of on-orbit propulsion - from early trades between electric and/or liquid solutions through test and integration - and work at the intersection of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), propulsion, aerodynamics, and mission planning. This position is located onsite in the greater Seattle WA area.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or Electrical Engineering, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.
- 5 years experience identifying, designing, developing and/or building satellite or RCS propulsion solutions
Nice To Haves
- 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 experience
- Advanced degree in relevant engineering discipline
- Demonstrated experience incorporating test or operational data into thruster continuous improvement efforts
- Experience throughout whole product lifecycle, managing the balance between design, analytical performance, manufacturing, operation and business constraints
- Team and/or software project management experience
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 more junior engineers, manufacturing engineers and technicians through rapid design, build and test cycles
- Identify suppliers for key infrastructure in-space propulsion system components
- Own the integration of in-space propulsion systems
Benefits
- 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 the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
