In-Space Propulsion Lead

This is a new organization within Stoke, with a goal to develop products on a 3–10 year horizon that grow Stoke beyond launch. Nova moves mass to orbit. This group takes on what comes next: spacecraft and on-orbit mobility that move mass to any orbit, downmass that returns it to Earth, and the satellites, platforms and factories that put mass to work once it is there. The organization is small by design, and everyone here carries a second hat.

Description

As In-Space Propulsion Lead you own in-space propulsion for everything the new organization flies. The products this group builds will draw on the full range of in-space propulsion, from storable and cryogenic chemical systems to electric propulsion and the architectures that follow them. You will define the propulsion architecture for the group's products, lead the build-versus-acquire-versus-partner decision with real supplier and acquisition diligence, and carry the selected systems through design, qualification and flight.

You take extreme ownership over design, analysis, manufacturing, test and validation, and you will help grow a propulsion capability the rest of the portfolio draws on. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.

Key responsibilities

• Define the propulsion architecture for the group's products: thrust, Isp and mass trades, propellant and propulsion-class selection, feed system approach, dwell and refuelability.
• Lead build-versus-acquire-versus-partner decisions for propulsion: technical and production diligence on suppliers and acquisition targets, cost and schedule models, and a recommendation to the leadership team.
• Own the design, analysis, manufacturing plan, test plan and qualification of the selected propulsion systems, from thrusters through feed system, tanks and pressurization.
• Own propellant management over the mission life: thermal control, pressurization, leakage and propellant budgets.
• Establish propulsion test capability, from component to system-level hot fire, using existing Stoke infrastructure where it fits and specifying new capability where it does not.
• Provide propulsion inputs to mission design and vehicle architecture trades partnering with various leads to develop the full system.
• Lead root-cause investigations, risk mitigation, schedules and budgets for propulsion development.
• Help grow the propulsion team as the product matures.

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace or chemical engineering, physics or a related field.
• 10+ years of propulsion experience, including in-space propulsion flight hardware you were accountable for from design through qualification and flight.
• Hands-on experience with at least one class of in-space propulsion (chemical or electric) carried through qualification, and working knowledge of the others.
• Experience leading a propulsion team or program, with accountability for its technical output, schedule and budget.
• Strong fundamentals in combustion, heat transfer, fluid flow, and pressurization and propellant management systems.
• Experience owning test campaigns, from test plans through hot fire and anomaly resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to make rapid, well-reasoned propulsion architecture decisions with incomplete information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead and to follow.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience across more than one propulsion class or thrust regime: high-thrust chemical (storable, green or cryogenic), electric, or multi-mode combinations.
• Propulsion for long-duration spacecraft (GEO, cislunar, multi-year LEO) where propellant management over the mission life drove the design.
• Experience with refueling interfaces, propellant transfer or depot concepts.
• Experience building and managing a propulsion engineering team, including hiring and standing up test and manufacturing capability.
• Master's degree or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering or a related field.

Benefits

• Equity – We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees.
• Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• 4 weeks’ Paid Time Off
• Holidays – 10 days (including an end-of-year closure)
• Paid Family/Parental Leave
• On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)
• Dog friendly offices!

Compensation

Target Levels:

• Level 4 Range: $151,305 - $252,105
• Level 5 Range: $176,505 - $327,810
• Level 6 Range: $262,185 - $393,435

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (i.e., current Green Card holder), or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Equal Opportunity

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status. It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII. It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring.

Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company. Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re-verify authorization to work periodically.