Orbital Operations

About the role Orbital Operations is seeking a highly motivated Fluid Systems Engineer to lead the design and development of heat exchangers critical to our Cryogenic Propulsion Management System (CPMS). You will design thermal management hardware that integrates with reverse Brayton cycle (RBC) systems, high-performance turbomachinery, and low-loss cryogenic storage. The ideal candidate brings experience designing and prototyping thermal-fluid systems for aerospace or other high-performance environments and is excited to help shape the infrastructure for a more maneuverable space domain. Key Responsibilities include: Lead conceptual and detailed design of cryogenic heat exchangers, including plate-fin, printed circuit, and custom compact geometries. Perform thermal and fluid flow analysis across operating conditions typical of in-space cryogenic systems (e.g. LOX, LH2, GN2, GH2). Collaborate with the turbomachinery and RBC subsystem teams to ensure thermal interfaces and system dynamics are optimized for performance, reliability, and thermal stability. Support system modeling and simulations (FEA, CFD) to validate heat exchanger performance and optimize geometry under extreme space environments. Interface with fabrication partners to develop manufacturing approaches for high-precision cryogenic heat exchangers. Required Qualifications B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field. 3+ years of experience in heat exchanger or cryogenic thermal system design in aerospace or similar hardware-focused industry. Proficiency in thermal/fluid simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, STAR-CCM+, COMSOL). Experience with materials and fabrication methods relevant to cryogenic and vacuum environments (e.g., brazing, diffusion bonding, welded alloys). CAD proficiency (e.g., SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent). Strong written and verbal communication skills. Familiarity with systems engineering practices and traceable design processes Preferred Qualifications Experience with cryogenic propulsion systems, reverse Brayton cycles, or compact high-performance heat exchangers. Working knowledge of aerospace fluid system standards (e.g., NASA-STD-5017, ASME BPVC VIII). Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, or qualifying flight hardware. Programming skills in Python or MATLAB for data reduction or automation of analysis workflows.

About Orbital Operations At 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 We are looking for a Head of Business Development to lead capture and growth across our defense and commercial portfolios. This role reports directly to the CEO and works closely with the COO and engineering leadership. You will own the path from opportunity identification through contract award across two parallel motions: On the government side, you will build relationships across DoD, USSF, MDA, NASA, and the broader national security community, lead proposal development on solicitations like CSO, BAA, SBIR, and OT, and shape requirements with government customers around our existing architecture. On the commercial side, you will sell kickstage launch services and in-space resident vehicle services to satellite operators, including inclination changes, controlled deorbit, graveyard orbiting, and orbital transfer from LEO to MEO, GEO, and cislunar space. You will build a pipeline of commercial customers across the satellite operator ecosystem and structure pricing and service agreements that work for both sides. This is a hands-on role. You will write, you will travel, and you will be in the room when contracts are negotiated. Qualifications Track record closing contracts in space, defense, or satellite services Experience selling to either government customers, commercial satellite operators, or both Familiarity with federal acquisition pathways including FAR, OT, SBIR, and CSO Strong proposal writing and capture management experience Ability to translate technical content into clear customer-facing material Self-directed and comfortable operating in a fast-paced startup environment Nice to have Existing relationships across DoD, USSF, MDA, NASA, AFRL, DIU, or SpaceWERX Existing relationships across commercial satellite operators, constellation owners, or defense primes Technical background in propulsion, GNC, or space systems Prior work on missile defense, on-orbit servicing, satellite servicing, or orbital transfer programs Active security clearance If you want to help build the future of orbital operations, we want to hear from you.

About Orbital Operations At 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. Description As a Structures Design Engineer on this space vehicle program, you’ll play a key technical role and contribute to shaping engineering standards for pressurized structures, thrust frames, and integrated fluid systems. You’ll serve as the Responsible Engineer for major vehicle subsystems—owning the hardware from initial requirements through design, development, analysis, fabrication, testing, vehicle integration, and ultimately flight. We’re a small, driven team, so you’ll need to collaborate closely across disciplines with both engineers and technicians to move quickly. You’ll also be hands-on with your designs, with opportunities to build and test your own hardware—so expect to roll up your sleeves and work shoulder-to-shoulder with the shop and integration teams. Qualifications 3+ years minimum experience in working in aerospace structures or fluids Designed, built and tested hardware Demonstrated proficiency with CAD software and analysis software (ANSYS preferred), should be able to talk to multiple examples of both Ability to determine appropriate level of work for a problem (from hand calcs to multi-physics finite element solutions) and execute the work accordingly Familiarity with launch vehicle design desired (cryogenic propellant familiarity preferred) Excellent written and verbal communication Bachelor’s degree in engineering Responsibilities Define the structural and major fluids design of the rocket in coordination with owners of other portions of the vehicle Procure and manage all hardware for components and structures that you own Work to get your hardware built, tested and integrated onto the vehicle Help build design tools and guidelines that will accelerate development of components

You will own the propulsion combustion devices and systems (igniter, main injector, TCA, etc.) for Orbital Operation’s flagship vehicle. This role involves a range of skillsets: design, analysis (structural, thermal, fluid), manufacturing, test, project management, and communication. You will work across a small team and take ownership of projects of your creation. To be successful in this role, you should be someone who thrives in ambiguity and be capable of leading projects to completion with minimal oversight. Along with these high expectations comes the opportunity to have a significant influence on a fast-growing startup company and to make rapid professional gains in an environment that encourages growth and risk. Required Qualifications:   Bachelor's degree in a science or engineering field 5+ years of experience working in the development of propulsion components, combustion components, or related hardware Demonstrated ability to own hardware through a production lifecycle Experience applying engineering fundamentals in thermodynamics, thermal, structural, and fluids   Preferred Qualifications:   Master's degree or higher in aeronautical/astronautical, aerospace, or mechanical engineering 5+ years of experience working in the development of propulsion components, combustion components, or related hardware Strong understanding of thermodynamics, compressible and incompressible flow, thermochemistry mechanics, and/or materials Hands-on experience with combustion devices hardware builds Experience with combustion devices manufacturing and design of manufacturability Experience with combustion devices testing and engine testing Understanding of engineering fundamentals and the ability to perform basic analysis Great attitude in the face of extreme challenges Excellent oral and written communication skills

Don't see what you're looking for in our other positions? No problem. Are you a rockstar? We’re looking for incredible people who love tackling all elements of a problem, no matter the field or experience level. If you love owning a challenge from end-to-end, then we want to hear from you! We’re looking for people curious, driven, and ready to move fast. You’ll need to be self-directed, adaptable, and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment where the stakes are high and the mission is clear.