Propulsion Engineering Lead
First seen by Alion on Jul 15, 2026.
Come join us in shaping the future! Get in on the ground floor as an early member of our Bus & Electronics team as a Propulsion Engineering Lead developing a revolutionary satellite communications system. Connect the vision to the hardware, build it, test it and fly it.
AscendArc is a startup founded to revolutionize the satellite communications industry. We are looking for doers who want to work in a ground-breaking and fast-paced environment. Our success will depend on your energy, skill, and creativity.
Responsibilities
As Propulsion Engineering Lead you are accountable for the end-to-end performance of the propulsion subsystem - from architecture through test to demonstrated in-orbit results. You will own the electric propulsion architecture for a full-EP GEO spacecraft, including the propellant feed system, thruster integration (Hall-effect class), and PPU integration, and you will drive propulsion supplier selection and the release of long-lead propulsion procurement. Beyond the design, you own the verification of that design: you will define the propulsion test requirements, specify the test system and ground support equipment needed to execute them, oversee test execution at supplier and system level, and own the analysis and acceptance of the test results. You will own the EOR/station-keeping delta-V strategy and the propulsion analyses that support it, and you will carry that ownership through to orbit - assessing in-orbit propulsion performance against predictions and closing the loop back to the models. You will work closely with Structures (propulsion mechanical), GNC, Power, Systems, and the AIT and mission operations teams. This is a named end-to-end performance role on the critical path to releasing procurement and closing the design.
Qualifications
- 8+ years of spacecraft propulsion experience and B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
- Direct experience with electric propulsion (Hall-effect or gridded ion), xenon feed systems, and PPU integration
- Demonstrated ownership of propulsion verification - defining test requirements, specifying test systems/GSE, and analyzing and accepting test results
- Familiarity with EOR and station-keeping delta-V analysis for GEO missions, and with correlating in-orbit propulsion performance against predictions
- Experience driving propulsion supplier selection and procurement of long-lead propulsion hardware
- Working knowledge of pressure-vessel (COPV) and propulsion safety considerations
Base Salary
The base salary range for this position is $170,000-200,000/year. When determining an individual’s compensation, we consider several factors including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data, so pay for this role may vary from the amounts listed.
Legal Eligibility to Work
Due to U.S. export control regulations, this position is only open to “U.S. persons.” That means you must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or have refugee/asylee status. Unfortunately, we cannot consider applicants on temporary work visas (such as H-1B, TN, O-1, etc.) for this role.
Equal Employment Opportunity
AscendArc is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate 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 or legally protected status.