Space Propulsion Systems Engineer

About Busek:

Busek is a world leader in aerospace propulsion, developing advanced in-space electric propulsion systems for some of the most ambitious space missions. We are seeking a Space Propulsion Systems Engineer to manage the system-level engineering of propulsion programs from concept through flight delivery.

As a Space Propulsion Systems Engineer at Busek, you will own the requirements baseline that drives propulsion system design and ensure mission needs are met through structured verification and validation. You will work across mechanical, electrical, thermal, fluidic, software, manufacturing, and test disciplines to integrate solutions that meet customer expectations. You will engage directly with customers, drive technical deliverables to completion, and lead design reviews that define program success. By combining propulsion knowledge with systems engineering rigor, you will help deliver some of the most advanced space propulsion technologies to orbit.

How you will make an impact:

• Manage propulsion system and subsystem requirements from definition through verification and flight delivery.
• Develop verification plans and identify artifacts to demonstrate compliance with customer and mission requirements.
• Perform system-level analyses, including reliability (FMECA), propellant gauging, and mass/power budgeting, to support design and decision-making.
• Account for cross-disciplinary considerations, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, fluidic, software, manufacturing, and test requirements, during design and integration.
• Define program scope and contribute to planning and execution of propulsion development efforts.
• Lead major design reviews, including PDR and CDR, and present technical progress to internal teams and customers.
• Serve as the primary technical interface with customers, ensuring contractual technical deliverables are met.
• Collaborate across engineering teams to resolve technical issues and ensure mission success.

Required Experience:

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• Strong foundation in systems engineering principles.
• Experience managing requirements, verification planning, and system integration activities.
• Fundamental knowledge of core mechanical, thermal, electrical, fluids, and software principles.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary engineering teams and communicate effectively with customers.
• Strong technical documentation and presentation skills.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks and track complex program information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) for documentation, analysis, and reporting.

Desired Experience:

• Knowledge of spacecraft mission design.
• Familiarity with aerospace industry standards and spaceflight qualification practices (NASA, DoD, ESA, ECSS).
• Experience with electric or chemical propulsion system design, integration, or testing.
• Background in reliability engineering and system safety practices, including FMECA and PFMEA/DFMEA.
• Experience contributing to or leading PDR, CDR, or similar technical reviews.
• Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems and their interactions (thermal, power, structures, fluids, software).
• Prior experience supporting or managing complex aerospace or spaceflight programs.
• Familiarity with spacecraft subsystem interfaces (mechanical, thermal, electrical, software).
• Familiarity with risk identification and mitigation in complex engineering programs.

The expected salary range for this position is $90,000 - $150,000. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate’s experience, education, and alignment with organizational needs.

Requirements:

• U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or protected individual.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance (up to TS/SCI).

Benefits:

• 401K, performance bonuses, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, paid vacation, and more.

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), employment at Busek requires that applicants be one of the following:

• A U.S. citizen
• A lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder)
• A refugee or an individual granted asylum in the U.S.
• Or be eligible to receive the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable

For more information about ITAR regulations, visit this resource. Article - DDTC Public Portal