Spacecraft Propulsion System Safety Engineer
Apply NowCompany: Terran Orbital
Location: Irvine, CA 92697
Description:
Description
Be more than just an employee number! Join Terran Orbital, a leader in innovation, manufacturing, and operations in the satellite industry. We are a pioneer in the miniaturization of space technologies and the delivery of responsive space solutions. We are a unique, fast-growing, and trusted team focused on quickly and economically designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art satellites for advanced mission constellations.
Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Spacecraft Propulsion System Safety Engineer to join our growing team. Reporting to Safety, Mission Assurance and Quality, the Propulsion System Safety Engineer works with a multidisciplinary team, especially engineering, production, test, quality, and supply chain to ensure the safe design, test, production, fueling and handling of spacecraft propulsion system modules. The Propulsion System Safety Engineer provides independent assurance to deliver affordable, high-performance space systems that meet internal specifications and customer contract requirements while maintaining hardware and personnel safety.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Propulsion System Safety Engineer, collaborating closely with the propulsion system design and manufacturing teams, identifies and solves complex challenges throughout the propulsion system product life cycle, including design, analysis, manufacture, test, integration, and operational support. The successful candidate demonstrates a passion for solving challenging problems, the ability to synthesize information, and a determination to safely deliver a propulsion system in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
They are also responsible for identifying and controlling potential hazards and risks related to the propulsion system, impacts on other satellite hardware (e.g., Hazard and Risk Analysis), utilizing tools and strategies to avoid them (e.g., Fault Tree Analysis and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis), and support the design, manufacturing and test teams for holistic propulsion system lifecycle safety.
As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the Propulsion System Safety Engineer will evaluate the design, assembly, test, fueling, and pre- and post-launch activities, including:
Required Qualifications and Skills
Applicant is experienced with all aspects of propulsion subsystem design including component sizing, vendor selection, subcontract management, propellant analyses, subsystem I&T, and operations.
Additional Desired Differentiators
Benefits
Salary Range $95,000-$130,000
Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer equity for each employee, 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, unlimited flex time off, covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!
About Terran Orbital
Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com
Physical Demands
An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.
Work Environment
The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.
Disclaimers
To comply with US Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the US Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.
Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].
Be more than just an employee number! Join Terran Orbital, a leader in innovation, manufacturing, and operations in the satellite industry. We are a pioneer in the miniaturization of space technologies and the delivery of responsive space solutions. We are a unique, fast-growing, and trusted team focused on quickly and economically designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art satellites for advanced mission constellations.
Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Spacecraft Propulsion System Safety Engineer to join our growing team. Reporting to Safety, Mission Assurance and Quality, the Propulsion System Safety Engineer works with a multidisciplinary team, especially engineering, production, test, quality, and supply chain to ensure the safe design, test, production, fueling and handling of spacecraft propulsion system modules. The Propulsion System Safety Engineer provides independent assurance to deliver affordable, high-performance space systems that meet internal specifications and customer contract requirements while maintaining hardware and personnel safety.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Propulsion System Safety Engineer, collaborating closely with the propulsion system design and manufacturing teams, identifies and solves complex challenges throughout the propulsion system product life cycle, including design, analysis, manufacture, test, integration, and operational support. The successful candidate demonstrates a passion for solving challenging problems, the ability to synthesize information, and a determination to safely deliver a propulsion system in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
They are also responsible for identifying and controlling potential hazards and risks related to the propulsion system, impacts on other satellite hardware (e.g., Hazard and Risk Analysis), utilizing tools and strategies to avoid them (e.g., Fault Tree Analysis and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis), and support the design, manufacturing and test teams for holistic propulsion system lifecycle safety.
As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the Propulsion System Safety Engineer will evaluate the design, assembly, test, fueling, and pre- and post-launch activities, including:
- Identify regulatory and non-regulatory safety requirements and the functional safety requirements for propulsion system design and manufacture.
- Identify issues, controls, risks, and mitigations associated with human, facility, and hardware safety.
- Participate in requirements review, system safety reviews, development and validation activities, failure causal analyses, and issue resolution.
- Support the creation and maintenance of a safety plan and procedures for the system lifecycle.
- Support the creation and evaluation of the system safety analyses (e.g., FMEA).
- Support the safety assessment of the system and its incorporation in the space vehicle.
- Prepare and/or review propulsion system-level test plans/procedures.
- Evaluate propulsion test operations, including post-test analysis and review.
- Lead the safety evaluation, planning, and execution of multiple propulsion materials (e.g., xenon, krypton)
- Work with propulsion module lead, other subsystem leads, and system engineers to develop interfaces, create operational scenarios, and design system-level tests to ensure the flight system operates as an integrated spacecraft.
- Support propulsion lead with safety and hazard analyses, as required.
- Participate in peer, programmatic, and failure reviews.
- Evaluate design for manufacturability changes to enhance safety, production efficiency and system/vehicle reliability.
Required Qualifications and Skills
Applicant is experienced with all aspects of propulsion subsystem design including component sizing, vendor selection, subcontract management, propellant analyses, subsystem I&T, and operations.
- BS/BA degree in engineering or applied sciences.
- At least 5 years engineering experience, preferably in aerospace.
- Spacecraft propulsion experience.
- Propulsion system safety analysis experience.
- Experience performing hazard analyses and identifying associated controls.
- Pressure safety experience including spacecraft propulsion system safety, pressure and leak testing.
- Experience leading technical reviews (design & analysis) or investigations (risk, anomaly, or trade studies)
- Strong written and verbal communication - able to speak and write in technical terms and on propulsion system engineering and/or safety requirements, across organizational boundaries and at all levels
- Able to work in a dynamic and fluid team environment - must be able to adapt to changing environment, priorities, and thrive in spite of ambiguity and uncertainty.
- Self-motivated team player, willing to contribute where needed to get the job done.
Additional Desired Differentiators
- Master's degree in engineering, physical sciences, or business administration.
- Degree or professional certification in safety engineering.
- Xenon/krypton spacecraft propulsion assembly, testing and fueling experience or strong desire, capability and motivation to gain in-depth knowledge of xenon/krypton assembly, test & fueling operations.
- Previous xenon and/or krypton propulsion fuel analyses
- Experience with aerospace customers and their mission/product assurance practices, understanding of satellites, space sensors, and ground systems used for space assets
Benefits
- 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
- Employee Equity Incentive Program
- 401(k) Match
- Unlimited PTO
Salary Range $95,000-$130,000
Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer equity for each employee, 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, unlimited flex time off, covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!
About Terran Orbital
Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com
Physical Demands
An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.
Work Environment
The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.
Disclaimers
To comply with US Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the US Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.
Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].