Electric Propulsion Test Engineer

About the role

As an Electric Propulsion Test Engineer, you will lead the test programme that transforms designs into verified, flight-ready hardware using in-house vacuum facilities. You will work closely with propulsion engineers to build test rigs, execute campaigns, identify failures, and provide evidence to drive design iterations. This role is central to proving the performance of the AURA RF gridded ion thruster for NEO-1 and customer missions.

Responsibilities

• Plan and own propulsion test campaigns supporting NEO-1 and customer thruster deliveries.
• Design and implement test rigs and equipment for propulsion testing.
• Assemble and maintain test hardware, electronics, and vacuum facilities.
• Operate vacuum systems, RF generators, high-voltage supplies, gas feed, and thrust balances during tests.
• Run plasma diagnostics and data acquisition, then analyse and report results to the design team.
• Maintain clear records of test configurations and results for system verification and qualification.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and control engineers to integrate and test new iterations of the ion propulsion system.

Required skills

• Electric propulsion testing
• RF generators
• High-voltage power supplies
• Thrust balances
• Vacuum systems
• Fluid management
• Data acquisition systems
• Plasma physics
• Plasma diagnostics
• Ionisation processes

Nice to have

• Langmuir probes
• Retarding potential analysers
• Python
• MATLAB
• Test rig design
• Hardware verification

Benefits

• Private health insurance
• Dental cover
• Optical cover
• Annual health check-ups
• Visa sponsorship
• Relocation support

About the Company

NewOrbit builds satellites for very low Earth orbit and the electric propulsion systems that power them. Their AURA RF gridded ion thrusters are designed to enable sharper imagery and sustainable, debris-free satellite operations.