Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer

1w1 week ago

Astra

Alameda, US · Full-time · $131,750 – $160,000

About this role

Astra seeks a Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer to take ownership of significant areas of Hall-effect thruster design, analysis, and test for spacecraft propulsion. This journey-level position requires complete knowledge of electric propulsion principles and practices. You will work independently with general direction, assess technical challenges using sound judgment, and provide guidance to junior team members.

The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in plasma physics, thruster design, and electric propulsion systems. Responsibilities include managing discharge chamber geometry, magnetic circuit layout, cathode integration, and thermal management. You will apply sophisticated analytical techniques to resolve unusual design challenges.

Conduct system-level trade studies balancing thrust, efficiency, specific impulse, mass, power, and lifetime for LEO constellation missions and GEO applications. Develop and maintain plasma, thermal, structural, and electromagnetic models to predict performance. Plan and execute test campaigns including anode efficiency, plume characterization, and wear tests.

Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, and systems teams for propulsion subsystem integration. Demonstrate creative thinking on advanced concepts like magnetic shielding and alternative propellants. Support customer reviews with propulsion performance data and contribute to continuous improvement in thruster programs.

Requirements

Solid foundation in plasma physics, thruster design, and electric propulsion systems
Complete knowledge of electric propulsion principles and practices
Experience assessing and resolving technical challenges in Hall-effect thrusters
Proficiency in analytical techniques for design root cause analysis
Skills in system-level trade studies for thrust, efficiency, and lifetime
Expertise in plasma, thermal, structural, and electromagnetic modeling
Ability to plan and execute thruster performance characterization tests
Knowledge of spacecraft propulsion system integration and interfaces

Responsibilities

Take responsibility for significant elements of Hall-effect thruster design, including discharge chamber geometry, magnetic circuit layout, cathode integration, and thermal management
Conduct system-level trade studies balancing thrust, efficiency, specific impulse, mass, power consumption, and lifetime for LEO and GEO applications
Develop, apply, and maintain analytical and numerical models for plasma, thermal, structural, and electromagnetic predictions
Plan and execute thruster test campaigns including anode efficiency, plume characterization, cathode coupling, thermal cycling, and wear tests
Collaborate with spacecraft systems engineers to define interfaces, verify requirements, and support propulsion subsystem integration
Evaluate advanced concepts such as magnetic shielding, alternative propellants, and improved channel materials for innovation
Provide guidance to junior engineers, contribute to peer reviews, and prepare technical reports and test plans
Support customer and mission-level reviews with propulsion performance data and trade study inputs