Senior Propulsion Engineer

Katalyst Description:

At Katalyst, we see human expansion into space not as a distant future, but as a present reality. As this growth accelerates, the need for advanced, reliable spacecraft has never been more critical.  We are standing at this forefront specializing in rendezvous and proximity operations creating spacecraft that can reconfigure, refuel, inspect and protect satellites on orbit rapidly, routinely, and regularly. In order to accomplish our mission, we also process data from a network of space-based sensors, both existing and deployable upgrades, using state of the art machine learning and advanced orbital dynamic filtering algorithms to increase space domain awareness, becoming the eyes and ears on orbit.

You might be a great fit for our team if you want to:

• Accelerate your growth—skip the corporate ladder and forge your own path.
• Embrace challenges and ambiguity; both failure and success are steps to solutions.
• Tackle the toughest problems in the space industry and reshape its future, working side by side on a team that’s bought into the mission.

Role Description:

Our vision is built on spacecraft that adapt, collaborate, and evolve. Mobility defines that potential. Propulsion engineers make it real. 

As Lead Propulsion Engineer, you will guide the development of high-reliability, high-performance systems that enable spacecraft to maneuver, approach, and interact in orbit. From component selection and fluid system design to full integration and flight readiness, you’ll help build the foundation for responsive, next-generation missions. 

Join a team of driven engineers working alongside experts in orbital mechanics, robotics, autonomy, and GNC. If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, whether surrounded by Flagstaff’s Ponderosa pines or the Denver Rockies, we’d love to hear from you. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Guide the design, build, and performance development of RCS monoprop propulsion systems that support precise orbital maneuvering, close-proximity operations, and responsive spacecraft capabilities.
• Oversee the design, build, and operation of a large TVAC thrust chamber for testing and performance characterization of high-powered hall thrusters.
• Execute accelerated lifetime testing on hall effect thruster as well as system integration between the thruster, power processing unit and propellant feed systems.
• Guide the development of propulsion subsystems with a focus on performance, reliability, and adaptability to evolving mission needs.
• Develop and procure propellant storage, feed, and transfer systems optimized for mass, volume and in-space operations.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to integrate propulsion systems with spacecraft GNC, avionics and mechanical systems.
• Drive propulsion interface and integration efforts throughout the spacecraft lifecycle, including requirements development, design reviews, ground support planning and testing.
• Act as the propulsion SME in technical reviews and stakeholder engagements, providing deep expertise in support of mission assurance and system readiness.
• Mentor and support propulsion engineering staff, fostering team growth, technical development, and alignment with program goals.
• Evaluate propulsion components and suppliers, ensuring performance, schedule, and cost alignment with program objectives.
• Contribute to architecture development, trade studies and verification and validation planning 

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience in design, development, and/or test for spacecraft fluid/propulsion systems. Demonstrable proficiency in the basic principles of compressible/incompressible flow and thermodynamics
• Experience developing hardware from concept to working prototypes, and refining the designs and operations to achieve robustness and autonomy
• Experience with storable propellant systems and components, fluid and instrumentation diagrams, pressurized systems, pumps/compressors, valves and regulators
• Experience with engineering programming tools (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
• Experience operating in a rapidly growing, changing and technical environment
• Ability to act and execute in a scrappy and entrepreneurial manner
• Ability to communicate priorities to meet company objectives and commitments
• Proficiency with 3D modeling CAD software tools (NX, Solidworks, or similar)
• Track record of executing and producing space hardware from prototyping, qualification and production 

Additional Requirements:

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits:  

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off. The anticipated salary range for this role is $130,000 - $170,000 annually

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.