About Orbital Operations

At Orbital Operations, we’re building the future of dynamic space maneuvering. Our mission is to enable rapid-response orbital capabilities, executing maneuvers without hesitation and without regret.

Our flagship technology, the Cryogenic Propulsion Management System (CPMS), is redefining what’s possible in space mobility. Designed for military and commercial spacecraft, CPMS delivers sustained, high-thrust maneuverability in geosynchronous and cislunar orbits. It integrates low-loss cryogenic storage, reverse Brayton cycle (RBC) thermal control, and the same rocket engines that launch providers use today to make spacecraft more agile, resilient, and responsive.

Beyond defense, CPMS is poised to transform commercial orbital logistics. By powering next-generation orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs), it can slash LEO-to-GEO transit times from six months to just eight hours—unlocking new possibilities for satellite servicing, deployment, and beyond.

Join us in building the infrastructure for a more maneuverable and mission-ready space domain.

About the Role: 

You will own the propulsion combustion devices and systems (igniter, main injector, TCA, etc.) for Orbital Operation’s flagship vehicle. This role involves a range of skillsets: design, analysis (structural, thermal, fluid), manufacturing, test, project management, and communication. You will work across a small team and take ownership of projects of your creation. To be successful in this role, you should be someone who thrives in ambiguity and be capable of leading projects to completion with minimal oversight. Along with these high expectations comes the opportunity to have a significant influence on a fast-growing startup company and to make rapid professional gains in an environment that encourages growth and risk.

Required Qualifications:  

• Bachelor's degree in a science or engineering field
• 3+ years of experience working in the development of propulsion components, combustion components, or related hardware
• Demonstrated ability to own hardware through a production lifecycle
• Experience applying engineering fundamentals in thermodynamics, thermal, structural, and fluids

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Master's degree or higher in aeronautical/astronautical, aerospace, or mechanical engineering
• 5+ years of experience working in the development of propulsion components, combustion components, or related hardware
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, compressible and incompressible flow, thermochemistry mechanics, and/or materials
• Hands-on experience with combustion devices hardware builds
• Experience with combustion devices manufacturing and design of manufacturability
• Experience with combustion devices testing and engine testing
• Understanding of engineering fundamentals and the ability to perform basic analysis
• Great attitude in the face of extreme challenges
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

At Orbital Operations, we are dedicated to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.

Compensation is just one component of our comprehensive total rewards package. Orbital Operations offers a competitive salary and equity program, 100% employer-paid health benefits for full time employees, generous paid time off, parental leave, and more.