Propulsion Engineer

Anavia

YOUR MISSION Key Tasks * Propulsion System Leadership: Act as the technical authority for propulsion systems. Define system requirements, responsible for engine integration and verification methods. Collaborate with vendors to troubleshoot performance issues and drive design improvements. * Cross-Functional Integration: Work with aerodynamics, structural, and avionics teams to optimize engine integration, cooling, and vibration mitigation. Ensure propulsion systems align with the helicopter mission profiles (e.g., endurance, payload capacity, altitude, temperature, and other environmental factors). * Testing & Validation: Lead ground and flight testing campaigns to validate engine performance under operational conditions. Develop test campaigns and test plans. Analyze data to refine system parameters. * Vendor & Customer Management: Serve as the primary technical liaison between internal teams and propulsion system vendors. Review vendor designs, conduct risk assessments, and ensure deliverables meet project timelines. Support customer engagements to resolve requirements ambiguity. * Lifecycle Support: Develop maintenance protocols and failure-mode analyses for propulsion systems. Support field operations teams in diagnosing and resolving engine-related issues. Develop and maintain strategic alignment of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operations. * Documentation and Compliance: Prepare detailed engineering documentation, including design specifications, checking and preparing drawings, testing procedures, and maintenance manuals. Ensure mechanical designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies. * Continuous Improvement: Stay informed about advancements in mechanical engineering and UAV technology, integrating best practices into analysis processes.   Competencies & Duties * Working independently and responsibly. Perform tasks as described above.  * Compliance according to ANAVIA’ employment contract, compliance with company’ safety instructions and employee’ safety requirements, compliance with employers’ quality manual, work instructions and corresponding process specifications and instructions. * International travel required up to 25% of employee’ working hours. YOUR PROFILE Qualifications * Education: Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field and (3) years of industry experience.  Doctoral degree is equivalent to industry experience. * Experience: 8+ years of systems engineering development experience. 5+ years in propulsion system design, integration, and test, preferably with gas or heavy fuel engines. A plus: experience with heavy fuel engines in maritime operations, and prior technical lead roles in UAV/aerospace projects. * Skills: * Knowledge of power and propulsion system and subsystem components such as fuel systems, propulsion-airframe integration, and ground equipment. * Proven experience managing vendor partnerships and cross-functional engineering teams. * Strong project management abilities (Agile, SCRUM, or similar frameworks). * Knowledge of DO-160, MIL-STD-461, or other aerospace environmental testing standards. * Communication: Very good communication skills. High social skills and good analytical and excellent technical understanding. * Language: Good language skills in English (oral and written). German desirable. * Passport: Swiss / EU Nationals only.

The Exploration Company

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run. We are seeking a High-Thrust Engine Chief Engineer to lead the technical vision, architecture, and strategic direction of the Storm program, our next-gen high-thrust cryogenic rocket engine using LOX/LCH4. You will be the technical authority for the high-thrust engine development program. This role is responsible for ensuring technical coherence across all domains and aligning engineering execution with company goals and mission objectives. The Storm Chief Engineer serves as the senior technical authority for the program, guiding engineering leadership, setting design and performance standards, and ensuring system-level integrity and mission success. You'll own the technical integrity, performance, and safety of the engine throughout its lifecycle, from architecture definition to prototype testing. The Storm Chief Engineer will work closely with the Storm Lead and the Head of Propulsion (reports to), ensuring that engineering excellence and delivery efficiency remain balanced. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Technical Leadership and Vision Define and communicate the technical vision and roadmap for the Storm propulsion system in collaboration with the High Thrust Engine Lead, ensuring alignment with company strategy, mission objectives, and long-term scalability. * System Architecture Ownership Serve as the primary owner of the Storm system architecture, ensuring optimal integration across propulsion, structures, avionics, and operations. Lead technical reviews. Arbitrate complex system trade-off * Mentorship and Technical Oversight Provide guidance and mentorship to the team, fostering a culture of technical rigor, innovation, and accountability. * Risk Management & Safety Identify, assess, and manage technical risks at the system level with the support of the team and their principals. Lead critical design and readiness reviews, ensuring robust decision-making and risk mitigation strategies. Approve all non-conformance waivers or design deviations. * Collaboration Support business development, partner engagement, and customer interactions by representing the technical capabilities and vision of the Storm program. Coordinate with the Storm Lead on technical milestones, test readiness, and risk assessments. Work closely with program management and other engineering domains to balance performance, cost, and schedule, while maintaining technical integrity. * Continuous Improvement Drive continuous improvement in engineering tools, methodologies, and team capability to ensure Storm remains at the forefront of propulsion technology. Drive maturation of critical technologies. Ensure lessons learnt are captured. WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU: * A minimum of a master’s degree in propulsion engineering, systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field. * Over 15 years of experience in liquid rocket engine development, including at least one full-scale or prototype program, with experience in production/industrialisation * Deep understanding of cryogenic propulsion systems, including design, integration, and test. * Proven track record of defining and delivering complex aerospace systems from concept through flight. * Experience collaborating with European space agencies. * Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary technical teams and arbitrate complex design trades. * Demonstrated experience managing system-level requirements, interfaces, and verification activities. * Experience in engine hot-fire testing and anomaly resolution. * Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence across engineering, program, and executive teams. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound technical decisions under uncertainty, schedule and cost pressure. * Proven ability to work with geographically distributed teams and coordinating with external partners or suppliers. * Positive, adaptable, and collaborative mindset, capable of inspiring excellence across the organization. * Fluency in English. Why you should join us! What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:   * We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind  * We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them   * We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?   We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.    The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.   All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible. If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.

Ohb Sweden AB

Hall Effect Thruster Expert OHB Sweden is expanding its propulsion capabilities and is looking for an experienced Hall Effect Thruster (HET) Expert to strengthen our team. You will play a key role in ensuring that our electric propulsion systems continue to meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and technical excellence. This position is ideal for someone who has hands‑on experience with Hall Effect Thrusters, whether through development, testing, evaluation, manufacturing, integration, or extensive procurement and supplier interaction, and who thrives in a collaborative environment supporting cutting‑edge space missions. About the Role As a Hall Effect Thruster Expert, you will serve as one of OHB Sweden’s in‑house specialists and technical point of contacts for topics related to Hall Effect Thrusters and their associated subsystems. You will work closely with propulsion engineers, system engineers, and project teams across the company to ensure high‑quality propulsion solutions for our satellites. Your work will primarily involve supplier-facing technical leadership, internal expertise, and system-level integration support, including: Key Responsibilities Lead the technical aspects of procurement of Hall Effect Thrusters and related subsystems. Evaluate supplier proposals, specifications, test plans, and qualification approaches. Perform technical reviews of documentation, verification data, acceptance criteria, and interface definitions. Conduct internal assessments of thruster performance, lifetime considerations, and compatibility with satellite system requirements. Support trade-offs, architecture evaluations, and propulsion system configuration choices where HETs are involved. Participate in design reviews with external suppliers and internal engineering teams. Provide expert guidance on operational constraints, integration considerations, and flight heritage aspects. Support anomaly investigations and provide technical feedback on propulsion‑related findings. Contribute to internal knowledge-building, best practices, and technical standards for electric propulsion. Your Profile We are looking for a hands‑on expert with solid experience in Hall Effect Thrusters, ideally supported by a background in spacecraft propulsion, plasma physics, or electric propulsion technology. Required Skills & Experience Direct experience working with Hall Effect Thrusters — development, testing, manufacturing, analysis, qualification, or procurement. Strong understanding of plasma propulsion principles and thruster operational modes. Familiarity with spacecraft system engineering, propulsion interfaces, and environmental requirements. Experience interacting with suppliers, reviewing documentation, and handling technical discussions. Ability to assess performance data, test results, and qualification evidence. Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines. Meriting Qualifications Experience with electric propulsion system integration on spacecraft. Hands-on experience with plasma diagnostics or electric propulsion test facilities. Previous participation in space mission development or satellite delivery. Familiarity with European and international standards for space hardware. Why Join OHB Sweden? At OHB Sweden, you will be part of a highly skilled propulsion team with a wide range of specialties across electric and chemical propulsion, system analysis, integration, and testing. You will contribute to innovative space missions and work in a flexible, collaborative, and technically rich environment where your expertise truly matters. You will have the opportunity to: Influence propulsion decisions across multiple missions. Act as a subject-matter expert in a strategically important area. Work with advanced electric propulsion technologies and world‑leading suppliers. Grow within a company that values technical depth, creativity, and teamwork. Location The position is based in Kista, Stockholm. In accordance with U.S. Export Control regulations, this position is restricted to citizens of countries that are part of the European Union or NATO. Applications from other nationalities cannot be considered.