Senior Fluid Systems Engineer, Electric Propulsion
7 hours ago
We are seeking an experienced Senior Fluid Systems Engineer to lead the design, integration, and sustainment of fluid systems for next-generation electric propulsion technologies. This role will serve as the technical owner for systems that handle high-pressure and supercritical propellants, ensuring reliable performance and flight readiness of critical subsystems.
You will be responsible for fluid management hardware such as valves, restrictors, regulators, pressure vessels, and manifolds-driving system definition, analysis, and qualification testing through flight operations. This is a hands-on, high-impact role with significant ownership and cross-functional collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the primary technical authority for fluid systems supporting electric propulsion thrusters from concept through flight operations
- Design and develop high-pressure propellant distribution and regulation systems for noble gases and supercritical propellants
- Specify, evaluate, and qualify solenoid valves, seals, regulators, tubing, and assemblies for extreme environments and long-duration spaceflight
- Perform system-level modeling (flow, thermal, structural) to predict performance in operational scenarios
- Develop and execute qualification and acceptance testing, including proof, leak, flow characterization, vibration, and TVAC tests
- Lead reliability efforts: FMEA, fault-tree analysis, root cause investigations, and corrective actions
- Collaborate across propulsion, avionics, module design, and integration teams to ensure seamless system performance
- Generate system specifications, test plans/reports, and documentation per aerospace standards and customer requirements
Compensation
- Base salary range: $135,000 - $165,000 per year (Bay Area market range; excludes bonus and benefits)
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline
- 6+ years of experience in spacecraft or aerospace fluid systems engineering, including propulsion feed systems
- Expertise in noble gas and supercritical fluid handling for propulsion applications
- Proven knowledge of solenoid valves, regulators, and sealing technologies for spaceflight hardware
- Proficiency with CAD (NX preferred) and modeling tools (MATLAB, Simulink, ANSYS, or equivalent)
- Experience developing and executing qualification and acceptance test campaigns for flight hardware
- Familiarity with aerospace quality and certification standards (NASA, SMC, MIL-STD, ECSS, or equivalent)
- Strong leadership, communication, and system-level decision-making skills
Preferred Skills / Multipliers
- Direct experience with electric propulsion systems (Hall-effect thrusters, ion thrusters, advanced EP architectures)
- Hands-on experience with hardware integration and ground support equipment
- Background in cryogenic fluid systems, high-pressure vessels, or plasma propulsion environments
- Familiarity with AFSPCMAN range safety requirements for pressurized systems
Other Requirements
- Must meet ITAR/EAR compliance as a U.S. Person (citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) or be eligible for licensing
- Subject to background checks and, if applicable, government contract clearance
- Applicants in San Francisco will be considered consistent with the Fair Chance Ordinance
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