Early to Mid-Career Fluids & Propulsion Engineer

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:


The core function of the Fluids & Propulsion Engineer is to design and test fluid subsystems.


The Fluids & Propulsion Engineer is expected to support the product development of a variety of different tasks including requirements development, system layout and design, detailed CAD work, vendor management, part procurement and specification, drawings, document creation, test definition, test stand development, test operation and reporting, as well as being an active reviewer. This role will require balancing the technical, schedule and cost trades of the product and work closely with the system engineer and program manager on meeting requirements and delivery dates.


Responsibilities

• Design chemical propellant storage, feed, and transfer systems
• Develop and procure propellant tanks and fluid system components for storable propellants
• Provide engineering design for upgrades to fluidic components
• Perform flow rate and pressure analysis on fluids systems
• Provide support to manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test teams during build and test of fluid subsystems
• Develop and own relevant flat satellite and ground support equipment related to fluid subsystems
• Lead and own ICD efforts for the propulsion system by working with cross functional teams for ground testing and spacecraft design
• Identify technical issues and proactively implement resolutions to mitigate schedule and cost impacts
• Provide SME input in the development of systems 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.

• 2+ years of experience in design, development, and/or test for spacecraft fluid/propulsion systems, mechanisms and/or components
• 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

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

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

• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team

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

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• 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

• Experience with hydrazine and satellite fuel systems
• Working knowledge of range safety requirements (AFSPCMAN 91-710)
• Understanding of qualification, acceptance, and protoqualification verification approaches
• Experience with applicable industry standards such as SMC-S-016 and AIAA S-080
• Experience taking a product from concept to operation
• 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

• General understanding of mechanical manufacturing processes, including machining and welding

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

91,000 - 144,000 USD per year

The pay range for this role is:

91,000 - 144,000 USD per year (Lafayette, CO)