Propulsion Engineering Manager

Orbit Fab's mission is to create the foundational infrastructure that will fuel a bustling in-space economy, capable of sustaining permanent jobs in space. Today, satellites cannot be refueled, which severely constrains their mobility and inhibits the development of economic activities in space. 

Orbit Fab breaks the single-use paradigm, pioneering our Gas Stations in Space™ refueling infrastructure and RAFTI™ technology to deliver propellant in space, enabling lower-cost satellite construction, increased maneuverability, precise control, and extended lifespans. The possibilities are unprecedented, opening the doors to unimagined operational strategies and business models. 

Since our establishment in 2018, we have already achieved the successful launch of three tankers to space. With offices in both the US and UK, we are working in close collaboration with partners and customers across the space industry. Orbit Fab is rapidly ramping up capabilities and requires exceptional talent to tackle important challenges. Our roles offer wide ranging opportunities to have a demonstrable impact and enable a bustling space economy.

Role:

As the Fluids and Propulsion Engineering Manager, you would lead the propulsion team, which consists of fluids, propulsion, and thermal engineering responsibilities. You would lead the team from concept designs to producing flight-ready hardware. We have multiple ongoing projects, and we need someone with excellent technical understanding and the ability to juggle priorities. You would be responsible for understanding people’s needs, business needs, and technical requirements.

The expectation for this role is to be a player-coach with 50-75% of time spent on leadership responsibilities and 25-50% of time spent on individual contributor work.

Responsibilities

• Lead the propulsion team through multiple concurrent projects, meeting deadlines on time.
• Delegate effectively so that the right team members are working on tasks that suit their skills, interest, and technical growth path.
• Guide process development and adherence for the propulsion engineering team
• Review thermal-fluid system architecture affecting the mission as a whole and the products that will interface with the hardware
• Support analysis required to satisfy internal requirements for hardware performance, life, and environment
• Support assembly and test activities
• Review engineering drawings; ensure best practices are applied to released drawings. Prepare and give reviews of team’s work prior to critical milestones.
• Proactively identify roadblocks to technical progress and take steps to mitigate/avoid them
• Deliver effective presentations to the team
• Hold weekly one-on-ones with team members and provide mentorship
• Design chemical propellant storage, feed, and transfer systems
• Develop and procure propellant tanks and fluid system components for storable propellants
• Perform flow rate and pressure analysis on fluids systems
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department. Interact appropriately with others to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Own the design and analysis of spacecraft systems, fluidic components, and ground support equipment. Develop and maintain detailed CAD models and P&ID documentation. Perform analyses and testing to validate designs and ensure compliance.
• Provide SME input in the development of engineering products, spacecraft architecture, trade studies, requirements development, verification, and validation plans 

Experience, Qualifications, and Characteristics

·         Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other related discipline

• 7+ years of experience in design, development, and/or test for spacecraft fluid/propulsion systems, mechanisms and/or components 
• Proven leadership experience in a responsible engineer, project lead, or team management capacity
• Experience taking a product from concept to operation
• Ability to work independently and take on own tasks, including 'blank page engineering' and engineering from first principals  

• Experience with fluid and instrumentation diagrams, pressurized systems, sealing devices, pumps, valves and regulators  
• General understanding of thermal engineering design principles

• Experience performing hand calculations and analysis to support system design and development

• Understanding of qualification, acceptance, and proto-qualification verification approaches

• Proficiency with 3D modeling, CAD designs, and tools  

• Knowledge of space rated materials and design trades around material choices
• Can work autonomously, views work with a critical eye
• An effective sense of urgency and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, small company environment

• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team  
• Excellent communication, analytical, organizational, strategic, statistical, and personal skills

·         Must be willing and able to work a hybrid schedule (3-5 days a week on site) out of our Lafayette, CO office

Nice to Have

• 10+ years of experience in design, development, and/or test for spacecraft fluid/propulsion systems, mechanisms and/or components 
• 2+ years of experience managing teams
• Experience with storable chemical propellant systems or components
• Experience performing analysis with GFSSP, Ansys, and MATLAB
• Strong foundation in thermal engineering
• Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle operations
• Advanced degree in an engineering discipline or related field
• Working knowledge of range safety requirements (AFSPCMAN 91-710)
• Understanding of qualification, acceptance, and protoqualification verification approaches
• Experience with spacecraft and subsystem environment definition (radiation, structural loads, thermal, EMI/EMC, orbital debris, etc.) and design approaches (at LEO, GEO, and beyond
• Experience in a startup environment

This position is a hybrid work model, requiring time both in our Lafayette, CO office and remotely.

At Orbit Fab, we value respectful debate and people who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions. We strongly encourage you to apply if you feel you would succeed in the role above.

Location and Benefits

Orbit Fab is based out of Lafayette, Colorado and all roles are based in Colorado. We offer fully covered benefits, discretionary time off, and flexible work hours.

Eligibility

Some job roles may be limited to US Persons (22 CFR 120.62 “U.S. person”).

Orbit Fab Inc does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

The estimated salary range for this position is

144,000 - 186,000 USD per year

[{'location': 'Lafayette, CO', 'currency': 'USD', 'frequency': 'YEAR', 'rangeStart': 144000.0, 'rangeEnd': 186000.0, 'isRemote': False}]