The Role
You will own the successful implementation of the Hall thruster development and production test for both R&D and production. In your first 6 months, you will develop data acquisition and test automation software for propulsion systems, vacuum systems, and test equipment. In your first year, you will validate flight hardware using your proven automation tools, participate in multidisciplinary test campaigns, and incorporate diagnostic probes. In your first two years, you will take on larger propulsion test campaigns and ownership while directly supporting production and qualification testing.
Responsibilities
Automate propulsion system infrastructure equipment including vacuum facilities, power racks, and feed systems (design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing)
Write and maintain production test software code using Python
Create formal documentation for development and production: test procedures, test reports, standard operating procedures
Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical test setups and hardware
Document, compile, analyze, and present test data
Develop testing and control scripts to conduct safe and reliable test campaigns of Hall thruster propulsion systems and components
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, or other relevant engineering discipline
+2 years of hands-on electric propulsion system test experience
Strong background in scripting and programming languages, specifically Python
General understanding and application of standard principles, theories, concepts and techniques in electric propulsion
Experience developing and operating vacuum chambers including operating support equipment such pumps, RGAs, and leak detectors
Strong background in electronic test equipment and principles of electric circuits
Experience in test equipment build-up and test operations
Nice to Have
Experience with testing Hall thrusters
Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE)
Experienced with installation/maintenance of vacuum pumps (cryo, turbo, rough)
Experience with finite element analysis for electromagnetic fields and/or fluid flow
Experience with Siemens NX/Teamcenter, fluid schematics, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance (GD&T)
Compensation and Benefits:
Base salary range for this role is $90,000 - $135,000 + equity in the company
Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks
If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged! If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
Export Compliance
As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.”
The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.
Equal Opportunity
K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.