Propulsion Engineering Lead

AscendArc is hiring a Propulsion Engineering Lead to own the end-to-end performance of the propulsion subsystem for a full-electric-propulsion GEO spacecraft. The role spans architecture, supplier selection and procurement, verification and testing, propulsion analysis, and assessment of in-orbit performance in collaboration with cross-functional engineering and mission teams.

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

Requirements:

• 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
• 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