Propulsion Test Engineer

About Lynk

Lynk is the inventor of satellite direct to standard phone technology aka sat2phone, and has the world’s only commercial license from the FCC to operate a commercial sat2phone system. Today, Lynk allows mobile network operators' subscribers to send and receive text messages to and from space via standard unmodified, mobile devices. Lynk’s service has been tested and proven on all seven continents, has regulatory approvals in more than 30 countries and is currently being deployed commercially based on more than 40 MNO commercial service contracts covering approximately 50 countries.

Our technology will enable all 8 billion people on the planet to stay connected with the existing standard phone in their pocket. Everywhere. No matter what.

By joining Lynk, you will have the opportunity to directly touch the lives of billions. Your mission will be to bring mobile broadband to billions, pull hundreds of millions out of poverty, and save countless lives.

Job Summary

As a Propulsion Test Engineer at Lynk, you will support the testing of the Hall Effect Thrusters (HET) and other propulsion system components used on our satellites. You will be expected to understand every detail of our propulsion systems, operate them during test campaigns, and evaluate their performance through analysis of test results.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and document HET test plans and procedures.
• Design, develop, specify, and maintain ground support hardware and software required for HET functional, performance, and environmental testing including vacuum chambers, vacuum pumps, gas flow plumbing, high voltage power supplies, sensors, and data acquisition units.
• Integrate propulsion fight and ground support hardware (including electronics) as required for HET verification.
• Operate high-vacuum chambers and other support equipment required for HET testing.
• Execute HET test plans and procedures and debug/troubleshoot issues that arise during functional, performance, and environmental testing.
• Analyze propulsion test data using Excel, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Develop automated testing and data collection tools to ensure testing can be done reliably, repeatedly, and at scale in production.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience using Linux based systems and programming proficiency in one or more programming languages, such as Rust, C++, C, Python, MATLAB, etc.
• Must have good communication skills and be able to work independently as well as in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Job Location

Chantilly, VA