Electric Propulsion Engineer
Hybrid (Reading, UK)£0Full-timePosted 3w ago
About the role
Role focused on designing, building, testing and iterating RF gridded ion thrusters for NewOrbit's electric propulsion system, with responsibilities spanning concept design through flight qualification and close collaboration with mechanical, electrical and control engineering teams.
Responsibilities
- Own the design of our RF gridded ion thruster and its performance calculations, from concept to flight configuration.
- Iterate rapidly to support NEO-1 and customer thruster deliveries.
- Work with mechanical, electrical and control engineers on each new iteration of the ion propulsion system.
- Design and build the test rigs and equipment for propulsion testing.
- Assemble and operate test hardware, electronics and vacuum facilities.
- Run electric propulsion tests on your own designs and analyse the results.
- Plan and run the test campaigns for your own designs.
- Turn test results into design changes, then re-test.
- Document every test configuration and result so it gives traceable evidence for system verification and qualification.
Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of RF gridded ion thrusters, including RF plasma generation, ion optics and neutralisation.
- Hands-on electric propulsion testing, 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.
- Solid grounding in plasma physics, modelling, diagnostics and ionisation processes.
- Willingness to design, build and test your own hardware, and to work extended hours on-site.
Skills
Required:RF gridded ion thrustersVacuum systemsData acquisitionPlasma physicsHardware design and test
Nice to have:Python or MATLAB
Benefits
- Equity and competitive salary
- 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
Last updated Oct 8, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
About NewOrbit Space
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