Mechanical Engineer - Electric Propulsion

Staff Mechanical Engineer – Electric Propulsion (Hall-Effect Thrusters)

Design the propulsion systems that keep spacecraft operating for years in orbit.

We are seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design and manufacturability of next-generation Hall-effect thrusters used in spacecraft propulsion.

This role owns the mechanical architecture of flight hardware operating in plasma environments, extreme temperatures, and the vacuum of space
. You will drive design from concept through qualification while ensuring thruster systems can be manufactured reliably and at scale.

This is a high-impact engineering leadership role for someone who wants to help build next-generation electric propulsion systems for spaceflight.

• Design and deliver flight-ready Hall-effect thrusters capable of long-duration operation in orbit
• Scale propulsion hardware from prototype development to repeatable production
• Ensure propulsion systems meet world‑class reliability, performance, and manufacturability standards

• Lead the mechanical design of Hall-effect thrusters
  , including discharge channels, magnetic circuits, and electrode assemblies
• Define mechanical interfaces and structural architecture for propulsion subsystems
• Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, and lifetime requirements

• Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to scale hardware from prototype to production
• Simplify, standardize, and modularize designs to improve cost, reliability, and production throughput
• Partner with manufacturing teams to transition propulsion systems into flight production

• Specify advanced materials, coatings, and joining methods suitable for plasma‑facing components
• Design hardware capable of surviving launch loads, vacuum, high temperatures, and long‑duration missions
• Conduct structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses to validate flight hardware
• Evaluate designs against launch vibration, thermal cycling, and space environment constraints

• Lead and support qualification campaigns including vibration, shock, thermal‑vacuum, and life testing
• Analyze test data and implement design improvements

• Partner with plasma physics, electrical engineering, and systems teams to optimize integrated thruster performance
• Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners to resolve producibility challenges

• Mentor engineers and review designs across propulsion hardware programs
• Serve as a subject matter expert in manufacturable spacecraft propulsion systems
• Drive continuous improvement across propulsion design and production workflows

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience designing aerospace hardware (propulsion systems or high‑reliability spacecraft hardware preferred)
• Expertise in structural, thermal, and materials design for spaceflight environments
• Proven experience applying DFM/DFA principles to aerospace hardware transitioning into production
• Proficiency with CAD and engineering analysis tools (Solid Works, Creo, NX, ANSYS, or similar)
• Hands‑on experience with qualification testing including vibration, shock, and thermal‑vacuum
• Familiarity with aerospace standards such as NASA, ESA, ECSS, or MIL‑STD
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to mentor engineers and influence system‑level decisions

• Direct experience with electric propulsion systems (Hall‑effect thrusters, ion engines, plasma propulsion)
• Knowledge of high‑temperature materials, ceramics, or plasma‑facing coatings
• Experience scaling aerospace hardware from development prototypes to flight production
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing or advanced propulsion manufacturing techniques
• Previous leadership as a mechanical lead or system architect for flight‑qualified hardware

• Must meet ITAR/EAR compliance as a U.S. Person (citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) or be eligible for licensing
• Subject to background checks and potential government contract requirements
• Applicants in San Francisco will be considered consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance