Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer

Job title: Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer

About the Role Astra seeks a Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer to own significant areas of Hall-effect thruster design, analysis, and test for spacecraft propulsion. This journey-level role requires complete knowledge of electric propulsion principles, with independence and collaboration across mechanical, electrical, and systems teams.

What You'll Do

• Take responsibility for significant elements of Hall-effect thruster design (discharge chamber geometry, magnetic circuit layout, cathode integration, thermal management) and resolve design challenges using analytical techniques.
• Conduct system-level performance analyses and trade studies balancing thrust, efficiency, Isp, mass, power, and lifetime for LEO and higher-power GEO missions.
• Develop and apply analytical and numerical models (plasma, thermal, structural, electromagnetic) to predict thruster performance.
• Plan and execute thruster test campaigns (anode efficiency, plume characterization, cathode coupling, thermal cycling, wear tests) and compare results to models.
• Collaborate with spacecraft systems engineers to define interfaces and support propulsion subsystem integration.
• Evaluate advanced concepts (magnetic shielding, alternative propellants, improved channel materials) and implement design improvements.
• Provide guidance to junior engineers, participate in peer reviews, and prepare technical reports and test plans.
• Support customer and mission-level reviews by preparing propulsion performance data and trade study inputs for LEO/GEO programs.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft propulsion engineering, with hands-on experience in electric propulsion hardware.
• Complete knowledge of Hall-effect thruster design principles, including discharge chamber design, magnetic circuits, and cathode integration.
• Full understanding of plasma physics, ionized gas dynamics, and electric propulsion practices within the discipline.
• Hands-on experience planning and executing thruster test campaigns, including performance, plume, and wear testing.
• Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink, PIC codes, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, assess diverse technical problems, and adapt existing approaches to resolve issues.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to provide guidance to junior team members and present technical findings clearly.

Nice to Have

• Master's or Ph.D. in electric propulsion or plasma physics.
• Direct experience with Hall-effect thrusters for LEO satellite constellations or GEO station-keeping and orbit-raising applications.
• Familiarity with advanced propellants (e.g., krypton, iodine) and their effects on thruster design and performance.
• Exposure to lifetime extension methods (e.g., magnetic shielding, erosion-resistant channel materials).
• Experience supporting the transition of propulsion hardware from R&D prototypes toward flight production.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $140,000-180,000 USD per year. Equity included.
• Benefits include health, vision, dental, and 401K. Lunch provided with snacks and drinks.
• Disability accommodation available for applicants; ITAR/EAR compliance and background checks as part of the process.