Senior Propulsion Engineer

ExoTerra

ExoTerra

Other Engineering

Littleton, CO, USA

USD 102k-165k / year

Posted on May 8, 2026

Senior Propulsion Engineer

2.6 out of 5 stars
Littleton, CO

Job details

Pay

  • $102,000 - $165,000 a year

Job type

  • Full-time

Travel requirements

  • Travel

Benefits
Pulled from the full job description

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Relocation assistance

Full job description

  • ExoTerra is a world leader in solar electric propulsion systems and space exploration satellites. The company develops Hall Thrusters, propulsion modules, microsatellites and launch vehicle upper stages. We have been awarded multiple propulsion module and satellite contracts.

    Job Summary

    We are seeking a full-time Electric Propulsion Engineer. The hired employee will be responsible for completing design, analysis, and test tasks as they relate to sub-kilowatt Hall-effect Thrusters, xenon propellant flow control systems, and pressure management systems. This position is open to senior level candidates with closely related experience. Senior level candidates will be responsible for small to medium sized projects or components and will be expected to work with little supervision and solve complex problems independently.

    Responsibilities and Duties include but are not limited to:

    Use industry standard tools and methods to perform job duties under general direction

    Detailed part and assembly design for Hall-effect thrusters and/or flight propellant fluidic systems

    Perform analyses of Hall thruster and fluidic systems and components to ensure that company products meet requirements

    Document and implement necessary design changes to Hall thruster detailed parts to meet Design for Manufacturing and Design for Test principles

    Analyze thruster performance data, electric and magnetic fields. Ensure designs and builds meet customer requirements.

    Perform testing on Hall-effect thrusters and fluidic systems ranging from performance measurements to environmental testing. Document test results and customer requirements, assist with the development of production procedures for designs.

    Collaborate with other subsystem team members for the development of other Hall thruster subsystem components

    Required Qualifications:

    • Must be eligible to work in the United States
    • 4+ years of related experience (including any graduate work) design, development, and flight of electric propulsion systems, and at least 4 years specifically related to Hall thrusters
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
    • Experience designing for the space environment
    • Experience operating electric propulsion test systems
    • Proven experience in the electric thruster development lifecycle

    Desired:

    • Ph.D. or equivalent industry experience in a field relevant to the development of Hall thrusters
    • Domain expert in one or more areas of electric thruster development
    • Understanding of low cost electric propulsion system design, build and test
    • Experience operating vacuum and pressurized test systems

    Special Mention:

    • Relocation assistance provided
    • Some travel may be required

    Export Control / Compliance Requirements

    To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

    Compensation & Benefits

    Competitive salary range: $102,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year per year (dependent on experience and qualifications)

    ExoTerra offers a comprehensive total compensation package, including competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off (PTO), a comprehensive health benefits package, and various other benefits. When you join our team, you’re not just an employee — you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.


    Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

    ExoTerra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.