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Dark Fission Space Systems provided pay range
This range is provided by Dark Fission Space Systems. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
$125,000.00/yr - $155,000.00/yr
Additional compensation types
RSUs
Dark Fission Space Systems Overview
We're working to create a true revolution in in-space transportation, one that provides a foundation for all future exploration and utilization of space. Dark Fission Space Systems will build and fly the nuclear thermal rocket, making fast, efficient, and reliable transport a reality in the cislunar domain and beyond. We've been awarded work by the federal government to validate key elements of Dark Fission's DARKFORCE reactor, engine, and orbital transfer vehicle. If this sounds exciting to you, keep reading.
Position Narrative
We are seeking an Electrical Engineer to lead the design, assembly, and testing of a "flatsat" orbital transfer vehicle (OTV)—a ground-based, hardware-in-the-loop testbed integrating all major subsystems of our revolutionary nuclear thermal rocket-powered OTV. This flatsat will simulate on-orbit operations, incorporating guidance, navigation, and control (GNC); communications; electrical power generation and storage; command and data handling; and OTV-specific systems such as proximity operations sensors and algorithms, grapples, refueling ports, and primary propulsion. Our ideal candidate is a creative and driven problem solver with experience in satellite technology and a demonstrated ability to tackle the unique electrical engineering challenges of an OTV. In this role, you will collaborate closely with our mechanical engineering team, particularly the fuel element design lead, to ensure the flatsat accurately reflects or simulates the rocket’s operation. This is a full-time position located in Loudoun County, Virginia, with occasional travel to vendors and development partners within the United States.
Compensation, Work Schedule, and Benefits
* Base salary range: $125,000 - $155,000 annual
* Hybrid work schedule negotiable, but no fewer than 20 hours per week on site
* Full medical and dental insurance coverage
* Significant equity stake in our rapidly growing company
A typical day might include the following:
* Serving as the technical lead for the electrical design, integration, and testing of the flatsat OTV, ensuring all subsystems function cohesively in a simulated orbital environment
* Designing and implementing electrical architectures for GNC, communications, power systems, and OTV-specific equipment (e.g., proximity sensors, refueling systems, and propulsion interfaces)
* Leading a small team of engineers and technicians to assemble and troubleshoot the flatsat hardware and software integration
* Developing and executing test plans to validate flatsat performance under simulated orbital conditions, including data generation and real-time operations
* Collaborating with the mechanical engineering team to incorporate nuclear thermal rocket propulsion characteristics into the flatsat design and simulations
* Performing trade studies and risk analyses to optimize electrical system designs for reliability, performance, and compatibility with the OTV mission
* Producing detailed schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation for the flatsat and its subsystems
* Supporting the definition of OTV development roadmaps, balancing performance, cost, and schedule considerations
* Contributing to interdisciplinary efforts to assess impacts of flatsat testing on overall vehicle design and mission operations
This job might be for you if you have these:
* B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent
* 3+ years of experience in electrical system design, integration, or testing for satellites or spacecraft
* Familiarity with satellite subsystems, including GNC, communications, power generation/storage, and command and data handling
* Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing and simulation environments
* Proficiency with electrical design tools (e.g., Altium, OrCAD, MATLAB/Simulink) and real-time embedded systems
* Ability to lead small teams in fast-paced, technical development projects
* Ability to travel <20% annually to domestic locations to support vendor engagement and offsite testing campaigns
* Physically able to handle items weighing up to 25 lbs. (unassisted)
* Desire to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment
* Availability to work extended hours as needed
It would be impressive if you also have these:
* Experience with spacecraft proximity operations, docking systems, or in-space refueling technologies
* Knowledge of nuclear thermal propulsion systems or their electrical interfaces
* Familiarity with radiation-hardened electronics and their application in space environments
* Experience with programming languages such as Python, C/C++, or VHDL for embedded systems
* Practical experience with rapid prototyping, PCB design, and assembly
* M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent
* Experience working with government contracts or aerospace regulatory standards
* A passion to reshape the multi-billion-dollar space transportation ecosystem
* Ability to work as a member of a cross-functional team
* Ability to add something unique and positive to our team
* Wake up every morning ready to make a difference
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the successful applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR, 22 CFR §120.15), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. You can learn more about ITAR and company compliance requirements at:
Dark Fission Space Systems is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Each individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Engineering and Information Technology
Industries
Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
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