Turbomachinery Design Engineer

About Orbital OperationsAt Orbital Operations, we're building the future of dynamic space maneuvering. Our mission is to enable rapid-response orbital capabilities, executing maneuvers without hesitation and without regret.Our flagship technology, the Cryogenic Propulsion Management System (CPMS), is redefining what's possible in space mobility. Designed for military and commercial spacecraft, CPMS delivers sustained, high-thrust maneuverability in geosynchronous and cislunar orbits. It integrates low-loss cryogenic storage, reverse Brayton cycle (RBC) thermal control, and turbomachinery-driven propulsion to make spacecraft more agile, resilient, and responsive.Beyond defense, CPMS is poised to transform commercial orbital logistics. By powering next-generation orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs), it can slash LEO-to-GEO transit times from six months to just eight hours-unlocking new possibilities for satellite servicing, deployment, and beyond.Join us in building the infrastructure for a more maneuverable and mission-ready space domain.ABOUT THE ROLE:An engineer in this role will lead the design, development, and qualification of rotating and stationary flow path components for multiple turbomachinery applications at Orbital, taking the designs from initial concept to flight. Being successful in this role will require a strong technical knowledge of turbomachinery, coupled aero/hydro and mechanical design, and a broader turbomachinery system understanding as well as the ability to work with a wider team of specialists in the various sub-systems. Ensuring that turbomachinery solutions are developed with aggressive manufacturing goals, minimum cost/weight, and on an aggressive schedule is also key to success. RESPONSIBILITIES:Design, build, and test turbopump pumps and/or turbines for propulsion systemsOwn critical turbomachinery components, as every engineer at Orbital assumes profound responsibility for their hardwarePerform the aero/hydro sizing and flow path design and analysis work for the turbopumps and other turbomachinery for spacecraft systemsEnsure that detailed mechanical analysis is performed on all the turbopump components/systems, reviewed, and meets the required standards for life and reliability targetsWork with designers to prepare accurate and correct models and drawings for turbopump assembly and components, ensure that these drawings are correct and manufacturable with the available processes (or develop a process to enable them)Interface with our world-class production team to ensure designs are successfully translated into flight hardware that is revolutionizing access to spaceWork with teams developing other systems (combustion devices, valves, etc.) to ensure that the turbomachinery design is optimally integrated and that risks are well balanced across the systemSupport both component and assembly testing. Be involved with defining the test configuration, the test process/execution and review the results to confirmLead the resolution of issues encountered with the turbopump during development/qualification testingSupport ongoing design improvements to turbopump assemblies and/or sub-systems including manufacturing improvements to reduce the cost and lead time of componentsBASIC QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's degree in aeronautical/astronautical, aerospace, or mechanical engineering3+ years of professional experience in the design of turbomachinery componentsExperience with commercial analysis (structural and fluids) softwarePREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:Master's degree or higher in aeronautical/astronautical, aerospace, or mechanical engineeringStrong understanding of turbomachinery aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, and mechanical designStrong understanding of thermodynamics, compressible and incompressible flow, thermochemistry mechanics, and/or materialsHands-on experience with turbomachinery hardware buildExperience with turbomachinery manufacturing and design of manufacturabilityExperience with turbomachinery testing and engine testingUnderstanding of engineering fundamentals and the ability to perform basic analysisGreat attitude in the face of extreme challengesExcellent oral and written communication skills

Created: 2026-04-02