Propulsion Test Engineer

Propulsion Test Engineer

As a Propulsion Test Engineer at Lynk, you will support the testing of the Hall Effect Thrusters (HET) and other propulsion system components used on our satellites. You will be expected to understand every detail of our propulsion systems, operate them during test campaigns, and evaluate their performance through analysis of test results.

Core responsibilities include:

• Develop and document HET test plans and procedures.
• Design, develop, specify, and maintain ground support hardware and software required for HET functional, performance, and environmental testing including vacuum chambers, vacuum pumps, gas flow plumbing, high voltage power supplies, sensors, and data acquisition units.
• Integrate propulsion flight and ground support hardware (including electronics) as required for HET verification.
• Operate high-vacuum chambers and other support equipment required for HET testing.
• Execute HET test plans and procedures and debug/troubleshoot issues that arise during functional, performance, and environmental testing.
• Analyze propulsion test data using Excel, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Develop automated testing and data collection tools to ensure testing can be done reliably, repeatedly, and at scale in production.

Basic qualifications include:

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience using Linux based systems and programming proficiency in one or more programming languages, such as Rust, C++, C, Python, MATLAB, etc.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Direct experience with high-vacuum equipment.
• Machining skills and experience.

Job location: Chantilly, VA