Position Mission The Cathode Development Responsible is the technical authority for the development, design, verification and continuous improvement of hollow cathodes for electric propulsion systems. The role is responsible for ensuring that cathode technologies meet the required performance, lifetime, reliability, manufacturability and qualification objectives, from early technology development and breadboarding up to qualification and flight-ready products.
Responsibilities
- Lead the technical development of hollow cathodes for Electric Propulsion applications.
- Define cathode architecture and key design parameters according to thruster and mission requirements.
- According to the TU thermo-mechanical architect, to follow the thermomechanical design activities.
- Define development roadmaps from breadboard and engineering models to qualified products.
- Support design reviews, technical trade-offs, NCR investigations and major technical decisions.
- Support the definition and control of critical materials and manufacturing processes.
Technical Skills, Qualifications and Professional Experience
- Ideally 5+ years of relevant experience in hollow cathodes, electric propulsion
- Experience taking a technology from laboratory prototype toward qualification or flight hardware is a significant advantage
- Experimental testing and diagnostics
- ECSS development and verification approach
- Ability to move effectively between theoretical analysis and experimental testing
- Strong technical ownership and decision-making capability
- Fluent in English
Required Soft Skills
- Results Orientation
- Initiative
- Innovation
- Planning and organization
LOCATION: Pisa
RAL €40.000 – €55.000, based on the candidate's experience and skills.
📌 Cathode Development Responsible (Pisa)
🏢 SITAEL
📍 Pisa