Orbit Fab's mission is to create the foundational infrastructure that will fuel a bustling in-space economy, capable of sustaining permanent jobs in space. 

Today, satellites cannot be refueled, which severely constrains their mobility and inhibits the development of economic activities in space. 

Orbit Fab breaks the single-use paradigm, pioneering our Gas Stations in Space™ refueling infrastructure and RAFTI™ technology to deliver propellant in space, enabling lower-cost satellite construction, increased maneuverability, precise control, and extended lifespans. The possibilities are unprecedented, opening the doors to unimagined operational strategies and business models. 

Since our establishment in 2018, we have already achieved the successful launch of three tankers to space. With offices in both the US and UK, we are working in close collaboration with partners and customers across the space industry. Orbit Fab is rapidly ramping up capabilities and requires exceptional talent to tackle important challenges. Our roles offer wide ranging opportunities to have a demonstrable impact and enable a bustling in space economy. 

This is not a management position, we want you to spend your time doing the engineering you are passionate about. 

We are hoping you bring years of knowledge and passion for the following disciplines to the team:

  • Space systems engineering (specifically, experience across both Big and Small space missions at a variety of institutions).
  • Space avionics and electronics

In addition, the ideal candidate will be an authority in both mission systems engineering and satellite hardware and have an established record of contributing to or leading electronic space systems teams in fast-paced environments.

The day to day work will take place in Lafayette, CO, approximately 30 minutes from downtown Denver and 20 minutes from downtown Boulder. You will support a diverse team of talented engineers across multiple projects. You will lead the technical development of projects that suit your areas of focus.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Define, review, and critique engineering processes.
  • Technical decision-making processes and technical development across various space systems disciplines.
  • Lead technical reviews.
  • Provide mentorship and guidance to junior EE team members
  • Guide electrical engineering processes and facilitate technical trades across the system.
  • Identify technical issues and proactively implement resolutions to mitigate schedule and cost impacts.
  • Design, test and fly electrical and avionics systems across Orbit Fab's Tankers, Docking Hardware, and Spacecraft Fill/Drain components.
  • Specific tasks may Include:
      • Circuit design and analysis
      • Schematic capture and board layout
      • Board bring up and debugging
      • Circuit prototyping and demonstration
      • EEE Parts and/or Radiation Parts Analysis
      • Design for electronics mission lifetime and architecture
      • Hardware in the Loop (HWIL) Testing
      • Participate in the development of systems engineering products, spacecraft architecture, trade studies, requirements development, verification, and validation plans.
      • Identify and interface vendors to carry out spacecraft electrical components selection and planning.
      • Provide technical mentorship to junior team members
      • Monitor and adhere to efficient program budgets, schedules, and resource plans. 

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, AND CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, physics, mathematics, or other related discipline.
  • 6+ years of experience in spacecraft electronics design, development, and/or testing across multiple flight projects/programs.
  • Demonstrated experience with Altium schematic capture, part placement, layout and part creation
  • Ability and desire to mentor and advise junior team members in a collaborative environment
  • Experience taking multiple products or multiple iterations of a single product from concept phase through prototyping, launch, and operation.
  • Demonstrated leadership of space systems electrical engineering teams. By this we mean championing projects or group tasks; managing or organizing a project, team or task; or communicating (internally or externally) the vision/direction/goals of a project or team.
  • Breadth of experience as an electrical engineer as well as significant experience as a technical authority in one or multiple technical areas within or across EE disciplines including:
      • Power Electronics
      • Microcontroller and FPGA systems
      • Control Systems
      • Electrical Systems Engineering
      • Parts Radiation/EEE Parts Analysis
      • EMI/EMC or Signal Integrity
      • Electrical Manufacturing
  • You share our appreciation for a diversity of thoughts, backgrounds and experiences, helping us all learn from each other and make smarter decisions.
  • Experience defining customer needs and crafting engineering requirements, including a proven ability to successfully push back on unnecessary or mission affecting customer requirements.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Ability to travel (5% to 10% time expected), including international travel as needed 

WE'LL BE EXCITED IF YOU HAVE:

  • 8+ years of experience in satellite design, development, test, and operations.
  • Masters, Ph.D., or other advanced degree in engineering, physics, math, or related discipline.
  • Familiarity with the spacecraft component supply chain and contacts or relationships with vendors cross the supply chain.
  • Experience with both low and high budget space system development.
  • Design experience and mission heritage in GEO or deep space missions and a technical authority in design methodology, ramifications, and design selection process for GEO and/or deep space avionics hardware design
  • Experience with spacecraft and subsystem environment definition (radiation, thermal, EMI/EMC, etc.) and design approaches (at LEO, GEO, and Deep Space).
  • Experience with Spacecraft propulsion systems and pressure systems.
  • Experience with Level 2 Spacecraft Design/EEE-INST-002 or similar standards for spacecraft design 
  • Experience with spacecraft and spacecraft subsystem fabrication, assembly, and test; understanding of qualification, acceptance, and proto-flight verification approaches.
  • Previous experience working in a multi-disciplinary team.

 

The estimated salary range for this position is $120,000-140,000

 

Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalized people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Orbit Fab, we value respectful debate and people who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions. We strongly encourage you to apply if you feel you would succeed in the role above.

 

Location and Benefits

Orbit Fab is based out of Lafayette, Colorado and all roles are based in Colorado. We offer fully covered benefits, discretionary time off, and flexible work hours.

 

Eligibility

Some job roles may be limited to US Persons (22 CFR 120.62 “U.S. person”).

Orbit Fab Inc does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

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