Propulsion Test Engineer

About the role

Propulsion Test Engineer Opportunity at Lynk

Lynk holds the distinction of inventing satellite direct to standard phone technology, known as sat2phone, and it possesses the world's only commercial license from the FCC to operate such a system. The company enables mobile network operators' subscribers to send and receive text messages to and from space using standard, unmodified mobile devices. This service has been tested and proven on all seven continents, holds regulatory approvals in more than 30 countries, and is currently deployed commercially through more than 40 mobile network operator contracts covering approximately 50 countries. Lynk's mission is to keep all 8 billion people on Earth connected with the phone already in their pocket, anywhere, without exception. By joining Lynk, individuals can directly impact billions, helping to bring mobile broadband to the world, lift hundreds of millions out of poverty, and save countless lives.

Position Overview

The Propulsion Test Engineer will lead test campaigns for space propulsion, own results from initial hardware through flight units, and document every anomaly. The role requires clear reporting to non-engineers while managing risk for orbital systems. Success in this position means ensuring propulsion systems perform flawlessly before launch.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and document test plans and procedures for Hall Effect Thrusters and other propulsion components.
• Design, develop, specify, and maintain ground support hardware and software for functional, performance, and environmental testing. This includes vacuum chambers, vacuum pumps, gas flow plumbing, high voltage power supplies, sensors, and data acquisition units.
• Integrate propulsion flight and ground support hardware, including associated electronics, for verification testing.
• Operate high-vacuum chambers and all associated support equipment during testing campaigns.
• Execute test plans and procedures, then debug and troubleshoot any issues that arise during functional, performance, and environmental testing.
• Analyze propulsion test data using tools such as Excel and MATLAB to isolate thruster anomalies.
• Develop automated testing and data collection tools to ensure reliability, repeatability, and scalability for production environments.
• Coordinate with manufacturing teams to align test requirements with satellite production timelines.
• Guard test hardware through careful setup, calibration, and maintenance cycles.
• Partner with integration staff to verify that propulsion units meet all interface specifications.
• Ship test documentation that guides future vehicle inspections and audits.

Basic Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Have three or more years of hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Linux-based systems and programming in at least one language such as Rust, C++, C, or MATLAB.
• Possess strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with high-vacuum equipment.
• Machining skills and experience.

Location and Compensation

The position is based in Chantilly, VA. The engagement is full-time, with compensation ranging from $120,000 to $150,000 USD per year.

What You Will Achieve

You will operate vacuum chambers while validating thruster performance under strict protocols. You will design custom fixtures and cabling harnesses to support HET environmental and functional testing. You will automate data capture routines so test sequences run reliably across many shifts. You will analyze telemetry with spreadsheets and mathematical tools to isolate thruster anomalies. You will coordinate with manufacturing teams to align test requirements with satellite production timelines. You will maintain test hardware through careful setup, calibration, and maintenance cycles. You will partner with integration staff to ensure propulsion units meet interface specifications. You will produce test documentation that guides future vehicle inspections and audits.

Application Details

For this role, a Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering, or a similar discipline is required. You must have hands-on experience with laboratory instruments for at least three years. You should be comfortable working inside Linux environments and writing code in Rust, C++, Python, or MATLAB. You must be able to explain technical findings clearly while working independently and within cross-functional groups.

Nice-to-have experience includes time spent with high-vacuum apparatus and hands-on machining. Key tools you will use daily include MATLAB and Excel.

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