Lead Fluid Systems/Valve Engineer

Role:

The core function of the Lead Fluid Systems Engineer is to lead the engineering development of all the equipment that makes propellant flow out of our satellite’s tanks into the tanks of our customer’s satellites. This includes designing all our propellant transfer products (valves, couplings, sensors, pumps, etc.) and supporting their procurement, manufacturing, integration, and testing. All these elements must support the technical architectures and propellant delivery tech roadmap for both low and high pressure systems, over which you will have significant influence.

The Lead Fluid Systems Engineer is a Staff Engineer roll (i.e. not a Management role). As such, you will be expected to support the product development of a variety of different tasks including requirements development, system layout and design, detailed CAD/CAM work, vendor management, part procurement and specification, test definition, test operation and reporting, as well as being an active reviewer for critical milestone reviews and test plans. A successful Lead will provide technical leadership and guidance to the team to perform the system definition tasks required for propulsion and fluid transfer systems in the concept definition phase of Orbit Fab missions, and the design life cycle phases as the vehicle or subsystems are handed off to the test team. This role will require balancing the technical, schedule and cost trades of the product and working closely with the Product manager and Program manager on setting requirements and schedules, and meeting requirements and delivery dates. 

Responsibilities

• Design and procurement of chemical propellant feed, transfer, and storage systems for use on satellites, with an emphasis on valve design and qualification

• Develop and procure propellant tanks and fluid system components for storable propellants

• Coordinate with stakeholders to develop ConOps for the end-to-end satellite refueling process, including propulsion system performance for proximity operations, the effects of slosh, and fuel transfer operations procedures

• Lead technical reviews and effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders

• Architect a common propulsion subsystem to support multiple projects and assign resources to support program needs

• Lead and own ICD efforts for the propulsion system by working with cross functional teams for ground testing and spacecraft design

• Guide, monitor and grow a functional team through mentorship and technical leadership

• Identify technical issues and proactively implement resolutions to mitigate schedule and cost impacts

• Provide oversight and review of project proposals, and communicate resource needs across functional areas

• Provide SME input in the development of systems engineering products, spacecraft architecture, trade studies, requirements development, verification, and validation plans

• Act as a thought leader, communicating your area of expertise to external interests including customers, competitors, suppliers, and other stakeholders

• Travel, including international travel as needed (5% to 10% time expected)

Experience, Qualifications, and Characteristics

• 10+ years of experience in design, development, and test for spacecraft or rocket valves, fluid/propulsion systems, mechanisms and/or components.

• Experience with storable chemical propellant systems or components, fluid and instrumentation diagrams, pressurized systems, sealing devices, pumps, valves and regulators

• Working knowledge of range safety requirements (AFSPCMAN 91-710)

• Understanding of qualification, acceptance, and proto-qualification verification approaches

• Experience leading and growing a multi-disciplinary team to support project development

• Ability to work independently and take on own tasks, including 'blank page engineering' and engineering from first principals

• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team

• Ability to communicate priorities to meet company objectives and commitments

• Experience managing a team budget, including forecasting with ability to pivot decisions based on actual cost data

• Proficiency with 3D modeling, CAD designs, and tools

• Familiarity with spacecraft or component assembly, integration, and test

• Experience identifying, communicating and driving requirement definition and discovery for customers

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Track record of executing and producing space hardware from prototyping, qualification and production

Nice to Have

• Experience working with hydrazine and satellite fuel systems

• Experience fueling spacecraft on the ground

• Electric propulsion system design experience

• Experience with applicable industry standards such as SMC-S-016 and AIAA S-080

• Experience with both low- and high-budget space system development

• Experience taking a product from concept to operation

• Experience with spacecraft and subsystem environment definition (radiation, structural loads, thermal, EMI/EMC, orbital debris, etc.) and design approaches (at LEO, GEO, and beyond) 

• General understanding of mechanical manufacturing processes, including machining, welding, and 3D printing

The estimated salary range for this position is $130,000-160,000

If you feel you would succeed in the role above, we encourage you to apply regardless of whether or not you meet all of the requirements listed.

Location and Benefits

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

Eligibility

To conform to US Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorization from the US Department of State.

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 factor.