Electric Propulsion Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 3, 2026. First seen by Alion on Mar 12, 2026. Orbion Space Technology scores B on the Alion truth index.
Description
Orbion is seeking an Electric Propulsion Engineer to assist in the development and test of new and existing satellite propulsion systems. The engineer will work with Orbion’s world-class team of EP experts to design and prototype new or modified EP subsystems to improve existing product performance, as well as extend company offerings. The engineer will use their understanding of applicable plasma physics, mechanical and thermal engineering principles, and material properties, and system engineering practices to create and evaluate novel designs or troubleshoot issues. Additionally, the engineer will build and execute development and production tests and test systems for electric propulsion devices. These test systems will range from one-off development tests to fully-automated production tests.
Exact position, title, and salary will be commensurate with experience. Multiple positions may be available.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Create, maintain, and execute product and development roadmaps propulsion systems
- Develop and manage system requirements
- Lead and oversee technical investigations, delta-qualification efforts, continuous improvement activities, and new feature design efforts
- Design and execute development tests
- Delegate, lead, and manage junior engineers in similar tasks
- Collect and report on collected test data
- Perform other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must meet definition of a US Person
- Ph.D.. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics or a similar field with an Electric Propulsion focus or equivalent experience
- 5 or more years’ of experience with space hardware
- Strong hands-on space hardware development experience
- Excellent communication skills, technical depth, breadth, and passion to work effectively with cross functional (electrical, mechanical, software, system, test) production and development teams
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Capable team and/or project manager
- 2 or more years’ experience with flight hardware
- Experience with requirements management
- Experience with systems engineering and integration of electric propulsion systems
- Experience with on-orbit operations of electric propulsion systems
- Experience with flight qualification of propulsion systems
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Prolonged periods of standing and at times, sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Must be able to lift up to 40lbs at times
- Manual dexterity to evaluate, install, and modify equipment
COMPENSATION/BENEFITS: Enjoy a very competitive starting salary based on your knowledge and experience. In addition to the excitement of making monumental changes to the aerospace industry, employees enjoy a flexible work schedule, company paid health insurance, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, paid time off (vacation, paid holidays, sick days), contribution matching retirement plan, and short-term disability coverage. The position is full time and located in Houghton, MI. Relocation assistance is available.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by state or local law.