The Role
At ispace U.S., we’re not just going to the Moon—we’re redefining how we get there. Our missions push the boundaries of human and robotic exploration, driven by our belief: “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” By providing cost-effective lunar transportation, we are pioneering a future where space is within reach for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and sustainable exploration.
With locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, ispace is rapidly growing and leading the way in lunar exploration and development. Our U.S. branch is based in Englewood, Colorado, and focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers designed to support future lunar missions. Our team is made up of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries committed to making space more accessible and fostering the next generation of space exploration.
Let’s go to the Moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively seeking talented individuals who share our passion for space.
We are seeking a highly skilled and driven Propulsion Engineer to join our team in designing and developing a highly reliable lander propulsion system. In this role, you will play a critical part in shaping the propulsion architecture, driving component design, and ensuring system performance from initial concept through flight operations. This is a hands-on, multidisciplinary role ideal for engineers who thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments and want to make a tangible impact on space exploration missions.
Key Responsibilities
- Rapidly design, develop, and analyze a highly reliable lander propulsion system to meet mission performance and safety goals.
- Evaluate and define propulsion architectures and system-level requirements with a strong focus on manufacturability and integration feasibility.
- Drive component-level design and selection efforts, supporting system verification testing, troubleshooting, and closure of technical requirements.
- Establish and implement fluid analysis processes, and conduct performance tests on representative models or prototypes to ensure compliance with quality and performance standards.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with software, hardware, supply chain, and systems integration teams to ensure seamless development and execution.
- Create and manage supplier Statements of Work (SOWs), ensuring alignment with program objectives and technical requirements.
- Own the full lifecycle of propulsion system components and sub-assemblies, including design, analysis, manufacturing, test, certification, and flight operations.
- Design and layout complex, highly integrated fluid and mechanical systems within tight spatial constraints.
- Resolve technical issues through innovative, resourceful, and data-driven engineering solutions.
Required Skills and Qualifications for this role:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field — or equivalent practical experience. A combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience working on spacecraft and/or launch vehicle propulsion systems.
- At least 3 years of hands-on experience with fluid, electrical, and mechanical systems in an aerospace or high-performance engineering environment.
- Demonstrated success in leading propulsion design efforts from concept through fabrication, testing, and integration.
- Deep knowledge of mechanical design principles, material selection, and fabrication processes specific to spaceflight hardware.
- Practical experience with fluid dynamics and pressurized components such as valves, regulators, tubing, and piping.
- Proven capability in critical mechanical design work, including structural basics, fluid system calculations, and operational design considerations.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a strong ability to incorporate and provide feedback in peer and design reviews.
What will make you stand out!
- Proficiency in SolidWorks, fluid analysis tools, time series data analysis, and NI LabVIEW.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to make informed engineering decisions using first principles, trade studies, and sound technical rationale.
- Hands-on experience developing, maintaining, and improving tube welding processes for fluid systems.
- Experience with complex spacecraft design and integration across multidisciplinary teams.
- Prior experience with the design, handling, and safety considerations of typical spacecraft propellants.
- Demonstrated design-for-manufacturing (DFM) expertise, especially in the context of flight hardware.
- Familiarity with industry standards such as AIAA S-080, AIAA S-081, NASA-STD-5001, NASA-STD-5017, and SMC-S-016.
- Experience working on a propulsion system within a flight development program, from concept through launch and operations.
- Knowledge of and experience with in-space propulsion components and subsystems.
- Experience working in clean room environments for manufacturing and testing of flight hardware.
- Hands-on involvement in propulsion flight operations, including pre-launch preparations and mission support.
- Experience developing and contributing to technical proposals for government or commercial customers.
- Proficiency in writing and executing qualification test plans, work instructions, and test reports.
- Experience creating and executing acceptance testing procedures for propulsion or fluid systems.
#LI-LH1
At ispace, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, even if you don’t meet every listed requirement. If you’re passionate about our mission and think you can contribute, we encourage you to apply. Your unique skills and experiences may be exactly what we need to grow and succeed together.
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., 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. Learn more about the ITAR .here.
ispace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with ispace is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
All applicants who are offered employment with ispace US will be subject to a background investigation. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background investigation conducted in accordance with Company policies and all applicable laws.
ispace Technologies, US, Inc. is a drug-free workplace.
ispace Technologies, US, Inc. participates in the E-Verify program.
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The Company
What We Do
ispace is a lunar exploration company with a vision to extend human presence to outer space. The company is developing lunar landers and rovers to deliver customer payloads to the Moon and explore the lunar surface. In doing so, we aim to be a vehicle for companies on Earth to access new business opportunities on the Moon and ultimately incorporate the Moon into Earth’s economic and living sphere. The company is currently planning to its first mission to the Moon as early as Q4 2022.
