Launcher Propulsion Engineer

About the role

The Exploration Company is developing Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle designed for eventual orbital refueling and the transport of cargo and, in the longer term, humans. As a Future Projects Propulsion System Engineer, you will own the conceptualization and pre-development of new launch and space transportation solutions, focusing on propulsion system definition and maturation. You will be responsible for driving critical technologies toward implementation stage within the Future Programs Department, ensuring alignment with program goals and external partnerships. Your work will directly influence the architecture and feasibility of future TEC launcher programs, translating high-level objectives into actionable propulsion system designs. You will play a key role in shaping the technical and operational foundations of upcoming missions, contributing to the company's vision of transforming European space access. This position offers the opportunity to impact the full lifecycle of propulsion projects, from initial trade studies to industrialization readiness.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Define propulsion system architectures for future projects within the TEC launcher programs, ensuring coherence with mission objectives and system-level goals.
• Conduct in-depth technical investigations and trade-offs at both system and subsystem levels to identify optimal propulsion solutions.
• Establish and maintain system-level requirements, ensuring proper flow-down and consistency to all lower-level engineering activities.
• Define the concept of operations and operational procedures for propulsion systems to support safe and efficient mission execution.
• Create and maintain comprehensive technical budgets, including mass, propellant, inert gas, and power allocations across system components.
• Drive the development, verification and validation (V&V) processes and contribute to the industrialization plan for propulsion elements.
• Participate in MAIT concept trade-offs, assessing manufacturability, integration, and testability during early design phases.
• Coordinate co-engineering sessions with internal engineering teams and external partners, defining agendas, aligning priorities, and documenting decisions.
• Own propulsion-specific work packages and bids, supporting the commercial and program teams in proposal development and negotiations.
• Coordinate datapack definition and delivery, manage Requirements Items (RIDs), and oversee day-to-day collaboration with subcontractors to ensure timely progress.

Requirements

• Hold an advanced degree, such as an MSc, in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or another closely related technical field.
• Bring a minimum of 5 years of professional experience within the aerospace industry, with a focus on launch system programs.
• Demonstrate hands-on experience in the early development phases, including Phase 0, A, and B, specifically for propulsion system engineering.
• Show strong capability in programming, utilizing languages such as Python, Fortran, or Matlab for analysis and modeling tasks.
• Possess practical experience with EcosimPro or comparable system analysis tools to support performance and trade-off studies.
• Have direct, hands-on operational experience in propulsion testing or within a launch environment.
• Communicate fluently in English to ensure clarity and precision in all professional interactions.
• Value additional language skills, with fluency in German, French, or Italian considered an asset for cross-functional collaboration.

Nice to have

The source information does not specify any preferred or additional qualifications beyond the core requirements, so no Nice to have section is provided.

Practical notes

The Engagement type is full_time, indicating a permanent, full-time position based in Munich, Germany. No specific working hours are detailed in the source, but the role is expected to follow standard professional schedules. The Exploration Company provides relocation assistance and includes visa sponsorship where applicable, supporting candidates who may need to move to Germany for this opportunity. All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which may vary depending on the country, specific role, and project assignment. Candidates who receive an offer will be directed to a secure portal managed by Zinc Work Limited to complete the necessary verification steps. Applicants are encouraged to submit their CV promptly for immediate consideration.