Senior Mechanical Engineer
Phase Four
Join us at Phase Four as we deliver cutting edge electric propulsion to thousands of spacecraft over the next decade. We enable large constellations of satellites in low earth orbit (LEO) and beyond. Our plasma thruster enables new missions for satellites with next-generation propellants, while eliminating the primary failure points of legacy technologies.
Job Summary:
Phase Four is growing to support multiple programs focused on increasing the performance, capabilities, and applications of Phase Four’s core technology, the radio frequency thruster. The Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer will lead the development of on-orbit propellant management systems on these programs.
Core Responsibilities
- Ownership of test plans and procedures supporting commercial or government programs
- Collaboration with engineering teams in compliance to systems engineering practices
- Analysis, summarization, and distribution of test data and results with Phase Four technical teams
- Design ownership for novel test fixtures, test setups, and test stands to be used for research and development, and/or for production requirements
- Design and analyze structures, fluid systems, optics, electromechanical systems, mechanisms, and integration of test stands
- Contribute to rapid iteration build-test-analyze cycles and process optimization
- Lead anomaly investigations and work toward resolution
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree related to the fields of Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering
- At least 5+ years of experience related to the design, build, and test of space propulsion systems
- Demonstrated ability to design, build and operate test setups including: instrumentation, data acquisition, electrical and wire harnesses, pressure gas systems, gas sublimation, high voltage electrical systems, strain gauges, deflection gauges, accelerometers
- CAD and FEA proficiency (Solidworks preferred)
- Familiarity with high vacuum chamber testing
- Strong proficiency in data acquisitions and controls
- Experience with engineering design of flight fluid and pressurized systems related to space propulsion systems and qualification standards (AIAA/ANSI S-080A, AFSPCMAN 91-710, etc)
- Advanced communication skills for reading and collaboration on technical diagrams, drawings
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree or higher related to the fields of Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering
- Basic programming skills (Python, Javascript, and MATLAB preferred)
- Expert in GD&T application and analysis
- Root cause corrective action and anomaly resolution experience
- Chemical and Materials & Processes experience
- Finite Element Analysis mechanical and thermal engineering proficiency
- Data analysis and structuring experience
Benefits
- Phase Four offers competitive salary and equity, comprehensive health benefits, generous vacation policy, and a collaborative and fun work environment.
Notes
- To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
- We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.