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Electric Propulsion Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JPL

Electric Propulsion Technologist III

Pasadena, CA · On-site

As an Electric Propulsion (EP) Technologist , you will be working for the Thermal, Propulsion, and Materials Engineering Section (353) , which provides leadership and unique world-class expertise in ...

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$102.8K

$167.5K

How much do electric propulsion jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for electric propulsion in the United States is $102,825.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in electric propulsion?

To thrive in Electric Propulsion, you generally need a strong background in electrical engineering or related fields, with experience in power electronics, electric motor design, and control systems. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MATLAB/Simulink), test equipment, CAD tools, and industry certifications like EIT or PE are often required. Problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects. These competencies are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative design and operation of electric propulsion systems in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and marine transport.

What does someone working in electric propulsion do?

Professionals in Electric Propulsion often work on projects involving the design, testing, and integration of electric drive systems for vehicles such as aircraft, spacecraft, ships, or advanced automobiles. Daily responsibilities may include developing powertrain architectures, troubleshooting performance issues, coordinating with mechanical and software engineers, and ensuring compliance with industry safety standards. The role frequently involves hands-on testing in laboratory or field environments and may also require documentation, reporting, and interaction with clients or regulatory bodies. This collaborative and cross-functional work environment provides excellent opportunities to learn from experts in related fields and contribute to transformative transportation technologies.

What is electric propulsion?

An Electric Propulsion job involves the design, development, testing, and implementation of propulsion systems that use electrical energy to generate thrust. Engineers in this field work with technologies like ion thrusters and Hall-effect thrusters, primarily for spacecraft applications. Responsibilities may include system integration, performance analysis, and improving efficiency for deep-space missions. These roles typically require expertise in plasma physics, power electronics, and spacecraft engineering.

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What cities are hiring for Electric Propulsion jobs? Cities with the most Electric Propulsion job openings:
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Electric Propulsion jobs near you
Infographic showing various Electric Propulsion job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,825 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Electric Propulsion Engineer

ORBION SPACE TECHNOLOGY INC

Houghton, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Description

Orbion is seeking an Electric Propulsion Engineer to assist in the development and test of new and existing satellite propulsion systems. The engineer will work with Orbion's world-class team of EP experts to design and prototype new or modified EP subsystems to improve existing product performance, as well as extend company offerings. The engineer will use their understanding of applicable plasma physics, mechanical and thermal engineering principles, and material properties, and system engineering practices to create and evaluate novel designs or troubleshoot issues. Additionally, the engineer will build and execute development and production tests and test systems for electric propulsion devices. These test systems will range from one-off development tests to fully-automated production tests. 


Exact position, title, and salary will be commensurate with experience. Multiple positions may be available. 


RESPONSIBILITIES:  

  • Create, maintain, and execute product and development roadmaps propulsion systems 
  • Develop and manage system requirements 
  • Lead and oversee technical investigations, delta-qualification efforts, continuous improvement activities, and new feature design efforts 
  • Design and execute development tests 
  • Delegate, lead, and manage junior engineers in similar tasks 
  • Collect and report on collected test data 
  • Perform other duties as assigned 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Must meet definition of a US Person 
  • Ph.D.. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics or a similar field with an Electric  Propulsion focus or equivalent experience  
  • 5 or more years' of experience with space hardware 
  • Strong hands-on space hardware development experience  
  • Excellent communication skills, technical depth, breadth, and passion to work effectively with cross functional (electrical, mechanical, software, system, test) production and development teams  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

  • Capable team and/or project manager 
  • 2 or more years' experience with flight hardware 
  • Experience with requirements management 
  • Experience with systems engineering and integration of electric propulsion systems 
  • Experience with on-orbit operations of electric propulsion systems 
  • Experience with flight qualification of propulsion systems 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Prolonged periods of standing and at times, sitting at a desk and working on a computer 
  • Must be able to lift up to 40lbs at times  
  • Manual dexterity to evaluate, install, and modify equipment       

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS: Enjoy a very competitive starting salary based on your knowledge and experience. In addition to the excitement of making monumental changes to the aerospace industry, employees enjoy a flexible work schedule, company paid health insurance, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, paid time off (vacation, paid holidays, sick days), contribution matching retirement plan, and short-term disability coverage. The position is full time and located in Houghton, MI. Relocation assistance is available.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by state or local law.

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