Lead Propulsion Engineer

Role

As the Fluids and Propulsion Engineering Manager, you will lead the propulsion team, which includes fluids, propulsion, and thermal engineering responsibilities. You will guide the team from concept designs to flight‑ready hardware across multiple ongoing projects, balancing leadership and individual contributor duties (50‑75% leadership, 25‑50% technical work).

• Lead the propulsion team through multiple concurrent projects, ensuring on‑time delivery.
• Delegate tasks so that team members work on work that matches their skills, interests, and growth paths.
• Guide process development and adherence for the propulsion engineering team.
• Review thermal‑fluid system architecture affecting the mission and interface products.
• Support analysis required to meet internal hardware performance, life, and environmental requirements.
• Support assembly and test activities.
• Review engineering drawings, ensure best practices are applied, and prepare reviews of the team’s work before critical milestones.
• Identify and mitigate roadblocks to technical progress.
• Deliver effective presentations to the team.
• Hold weekly one‑on‑ones with team members and provide mentorship.
• Design chemical propellant storage, feed, and transfer systems.
• Develop and procure propellant tanks and fluid system components for storable propellants.
• Perform flow‑rate and pressure analysis on fluid systems.
• Maintain effective working relationships within the department and collaborate positively with others.
• Own the design and analysis of spacecraft systems, fluidic components, and ground support equipment; develop and maintain detailed CAD models and P&; perform analyses and tests to validate designs.
• Provide subject‑matter‑expert input in the development of engineering products, spacecraft architecture, trade studies, requirements, verification, and validation plans.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in design, development, and/or testing for spacecraft fluid/propulsion systems, mechanisms, and/or components.
• Proven leadership experience in a responsible engineer, project lead, or team management capacity.
• Experience taking a product from concept to operation.
• Ability to work independently and handle “blank‑page engineering” from first principles.
• Experience with fluid and instrumentation diagrams, pressurized systems, sealing devices, pumps, valves, and regulators.
• General understanding of thermal engineering design principles.
• Experience performing hand calculations and analyses to support system design and development.
• Understanding of qualification, acceptance, and proto‑qualification verification approaches.
• Proficiency with 3D modeling, CAD design tools.
• Knowledge of space‑rated materials and design trades around material choices.
• Can work autonomously and approach work critically.
• Sense of urgency and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, small‑company environment.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication, analytical, organizational, strategic, statistical, and personal skills.
• Must be willing and able to work a hybrid schedule (3‑5 days a week onsite) out of our Lafayette, CO office.

• 10+ years of experience in design, development, and/or testing for spacecraft fluid/propulsion systems, mechanisms, and/or components.
• 2+ years of experience managing teams.
• Experience with storable chemical propellant systems or components.
• Experience performing analysis with GFSSP, ANSYS, and MATLAB.
• Strong foundation in thermal engineering.
• Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle operations.
• Advanced degree in an engineering discipline or related field.
• Working knowledge of range safety requirements (AFSPCMAN 91‑710).
• Understanding of qualification, acceptance, and proto‑qualification verification approaches.
• Experience with spacecraft and subsystem environment definition (radiation, structural loads, thermal, EMI/EMC, orbital debris, etc.) and design approaches (LEO, GEO, and beyond).
• Experience in a startup environment.

Orbit Fab is based out of Lafayette, Colorado and all roles are based in Colorado. We offer fully covered benefits, discretionary time off, and flexible work hours.

Some job roles may be limited to U.S. persons (22 CFR 120.62 “U.S. person”).

Orbit Fab Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non‑merit factors.

144,000 – 186,000 USD per year (Lafayette, CO)