Overview:
Hall, Arcjet, and Gridded Ion Thruster propulsion systems are key components of satellites used by our military, NASA, and commercial satellite service providers. Missions include interplanetary exploration, Earth orbit-raising, and orbit maintenance for small, medium, and very large spacecraft. Aerojet Rocketdyne is the premier supplier of these enabling propulsion systems. The successful candidate will focus on thruster technologies, and will help assure the success of space missions through design, development, and qualification of Hall, Arcjet, Ion, or other EP thrusters. An understanding of spacecraft/thruster interactions will be critical to the long term success of the candidate.
Essential Job Functions (Including % of Time for Each):
The successful candidate will be a key resource in the design, development and testing of new electric propulsion products. Typical duties will include: performing technical analyses, conceptualizing new product designs, planning and conducting test and product verification activities, analyzing test data and assisting the program manager in guiding integrated product development teams, leading product proposals, developing new business relationships and generating customer presentations.
60% - Support technical activities on major programs. Perform tasks, delegate tasks and make decisions required to design, analyze, build and test electrical propulsion thrusters and thruster systems. Actively participate in understanding thruster-to-thruster interactions, and interactions between the spacecraft and propulsion system. Verify Aerojet’s products are in compliance with customer requirements. Provide feedback and interaction to show our customers that Aerojet is the best value supplier for their propulsion needs.
20% - Responsible for investigations to closure rapidly and rigorously, applying appropriate resources and personnel in a cost effective manner. Accumulate, prepare, and present the documentation that is required to close an investigation.
20% - Support proposal activities and manage internal research and development efforts as assigned.
Requirements:
Requires a Bachelor's degree in a related engineering discipline and 2 years of experience with a significant background in state-of-the-art electrical propulsion, or an equivalent combination of experience and education. A Master's degree or higher in an Engineering discipline (preferably Aerospace, ME, or Physics) is preferred. The successful candidate will have experience in performing technical analyses, conceptualizing new product designs, planning and conducting test and product verification activities, analyzing test data and assisting in guiding integrated product development teams, leading product proposals, developing new business relationships and generating customer presentations. Strong verbal, written, presentation, and team-working skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is expected. Strong preference for a candidate with a plasma physics background. Requires U.S. Citizenship, U.S. Permanent Residency, or other status as a U.S. Person.