Electric Propulsion Engineer

COMPANY NewOrbit builds satellites that fly in very low Earth orbit, below 300 km, along with the electric propulsion that keeps them there. Flying closer to Earth means sharper imagery from smaller optics, and an orbit that cleans itself: our satellites de-orbit within a month at end of life, leaving no debris. Our AURA family of RF gridded ion thrusters powers our own NEO-1 satellite, with first flight planned for Q3 2028, and is also offered to other operators. Electric propulsion is what lets our satellites hold very low orbits, and our AURA RF gridded ion thruster is at the centre of it. Role Someone has to prove that our AURA RF gridded ion thruster does its job. As Electric Propulsion Engineer, you run the test programme that turns designs into verified, flight-ready hardware, using NewOrbit’s own vacuum facilities. You start with testing: you build the rigs, run the campaigns, find what fails and give the evidence that drives the next design. As the programme matures, your role grows into design ownership, calculating, designing and building the thruster yourself, and testing your own designs. Your results decide what flies. Responsibilities Test and verify • Plan and own the propulsion test campaigns that support NEO-1 and our customer thruster deliveries. • Operate the vacuum system, RF generators, high-voltage supplies, gas feed and thrust balance during electric propulsion tests. • Run plasma diagnostics and data acquisition, then analyse the results. • Keep clear records of every test configuration and result, giving traceable evidence for system verification and qualification. Build • Design and implement test rigs and equipment for propulsion testing. • Assemble and maintain test hardware, electronics and vacuum facilities. Design • Feed findings back to the design team quickly so each iteration improves on the last. • Work with mechanical, electrical and control engineers to integrate and test each new iteration of the ion propulsion system. • Over time, take ownership of thruster design and performance calculations, from concept to flight configuration, and turn test results into design changes, then re-test. Requirements Essential • Practical electric propulsion testing experience, ideally with RF generators, high-voltage power supplies and thrust balances. • Experience with vacuum systems (pumps, gauges, valves), power supplies, fluid management (high-pressure gas tanks, mass flow controllers) and data acquisition systems. • Working knowledge of RF gridded ion thrusters, including RF plasma generation, ion optics and neutralisation, and of plasma physics, diagnostics and ionisation processes. • A rigorous approach to test planning, data quality and documentation. • Willingness to design, build and test your own hardware, and to work extended hours on-site. Nice to have • Experience with plasma diagnostics such as Langmuir probes or retarding potential analysers. • Experience taking a thruster from design through qualification to flight hardware, or with test rig design or hardware verification for flight programmes. • Scripting for data analysis and test automation (Python or MATLAB). • Experience running thrusters on more than one propellant, such as xenon, krypton or air. WHY NEWORBIT SPACE? • Pioneering space technology - Your work on our RF gridded ion thrusters and VLEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and challenge traditional LEO. • Ownership and impact - You'll have a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry, and you'll take part in the full lifecycle of satellite technology. • Equity and competitive salary - Alongside a competitive salary you receive a company ownership stake, so you share in the technology you help build and in our collective success. • Comprehensive benefits - Private health insurance with dental and optical cover, and annual health check-ups. • Hybrid working - One dedicated remote day per week. • Visa sponsorship and relocation support - We sponsor visas and provide relocation support for candidates moving to join us.