Senior In-Space Propulsion Engineer

Job ID: 9153
Date Posted: August 17, 2026

Join the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) team, where you'll contribute to groundbreaking innovations! We are seeking applicants for a Senior In-Space Propulsion Engineer to join our Strategic & Military Space Division.

The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nation’s defense capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Defining propulsion requirements for missions
• Creating and managing test and development plans
• Monitoring the state of the art for SmallSat and CubeSat propulsion systems
• Identifying candidate propulsion systems for mission concepts, studies, and trades
• Leading sizing, designing, integrating, and testing propulsion systems for spacecraft
• Test planning, monitoring, and reporting
• Supporting planning, execution, and analysis of on-orbit maneuvers
• Communicating results orally and through written reports

• Master’s degree in engineering or relevant technical field
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• Previous satellite propulsion experience, including integrated propulsion testing
• Ability to quickly identify and resolve issues
• General knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, manufacturing aerospace systems, and orbit dynamics
• Must be a US citizen and be able to obtain a US government security clearance
• Must be able to travel 

• PhD in relevant technical field
• 10+ years of experience
• Previous small satellite and/or CubeSat propulsion experience, including integrated propulsion testing
• Active TS clearance with SSBI
• Experience leading technical developments
• Experience with component-level technology development
• Experience with spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control

• $ 95,000 - $177,000
  • Salary commensurate on education and relevant experience

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate’s preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

Why Join SDL?
*SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

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