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 Lead Propulsion Engineer is to develop a team for propulsion products, subsystems and support the technical architectures and propellant roadmap for both low and high pressure systems. 

The Lead 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, test definition, test operation and reporting, as well as being an active reviewer for critical milestone reviews and test plans. A successful lead will guide the team to perform the system definition tasks required for propulsion and fluid transfer systems in the concept definition phase of Orbit Fab missions, the design life cycle phases as the vehicle or subsystems are handed off to the test team. This role will require balancing the technical, schedule and cost trades of the product and work closely with the Product/Program manager on meeting requirements and delivery dates.  

Responsibilities 

• Design and procurement of chemical propellant storage, feed, and transfer systems 
• Develop requirements and procure propellant tanks and fluid system components for storable propellants 
• Coordinate with stakeholders to develop ConOps for the end-to-end satellite refueling process, including propulsion system performance for proximity operations, the effects of slosh, and fuel transfer operations procedures. 
• Lead technical reviews and effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders 
• Architect a common propulsion subsystem to support multiple projects and assign resources to support program needs 
• Lead and own ICD efforts for the propulsion system by working with cross functional teams for ground testing and spacecraft design 
• Manage, guide, monitor and grow a functional team through mentorship and technical leadership 
• Identify technical issues and proactively implement resolutions to mitigate schedule and cost impacts 
• Provide oversight and review of project proposals, and communicate resource needs across functional areas 
• Provide SME input in the development of systems engineering products, spacecraft architecture, trade studies, requirements development, verification, and validation plans 
• Ability to act as a thought leader, communicating your area of expertise to external interests including customers, competitors, suppliers, and other stakeholders 
• Ability to travel (5% to 10% time expected), including international travel as needed . 

Experience, Qualifications, and Characteristics 

• 7+ years of experience in design, development, and/or test for spacecraft fluid/propulsion systems, mechanisms and/or components 
• Experience with storable chemical propellant systems or components, fluid and instrumentation diagrams, pressurized systems, sealing devices, pumps, valves and regulators 
• Working knowledge of range safety requirements (AFSPCMAN 91-710) 
• Understanding of qualification, acceptance, and proto-qualification verification approaches 
• Experience leading and growing a multi-disciplinary team to support project development 
• Ability to work independently and take on own tasks, including 'blank page engineering' and engineering from first principals 
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team 
• Ability to communicate priorities to meet company objectives and commitments 
• Proficiency with 3D modeling, CAD designs, and tools 
• Familiarity with spacecraft or component assembly, integration, and test 
• Experience identifying, communicating and driving requirement definition and discovery for customers 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal 
• Track record of executing and producing space hardware from prototyping, qualification and production 

Nice to Have 

• Experience working with hydrazine and satellite fuel systems 
• Experience fueling spacecraft on the ground 
• Electric propulsion system design experience 
• Experience with applicable industry standards such as SMC-S-016 and AIAA S-080 
• Experience with both low- and high-budget space system development 

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

Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalized people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. 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.