Propulsion Engineer

About This Opportunity

We are representing a confidential aerospace organization based in Germany that is developing advanced solid propulsion systems for orbital launch vehicles. Our talent team is seeking a Propulsion Engineer to join their project team working on the full motor development cycle—from preliminary design through static-fire testing and flight qualification.

This is a hands-on technical role where you will contribute to engineering analysis, test campaigns, and the development of tools that support motor and vehicle-level design. You will work in a fast-paced environment alongside structures, manufacturing, chemistry, and systems engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and development of solid rocket motors from preliminary design through detailed design, manufacturing readiness, static-fire testing, and flight qualification
• Perform engineering analysis covering internal ballistics, grain geometry, motor performance, nozzle design, motor cases, and structural sizing
• Develop or extend Python-based analysis and simulation tools for ballistic simulation, performance prediction, and structural sizing
• Translate vehicle-level performance requirements—including total impulse, burn time, thrust profile, and mass fraction—into motor-level design specifications
• Feed measured motor performance data back into vehicle-level design and sizing tools
• Support the definition and execution of verification and validation activities, including analysis, component testing, static-fire testing, and flight qualification
• Support the planning and execution of static-fire test campaigns, including instrumentation requirements, test preparation, and post-test data analysis
• Prepare technical documentation, design reviews, test plans, analysis reports, and clear records of design assumptions and results
• Work closely with cross-disciplinary teams to manage interfaces and design impacts
• Contribute to the development of engineering methods, tools, and processes as the team scales

What We're Looking For

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline
• Experience or demonstrated academic/project experience in solid rocket motor design, propulsion, aerospace hardware, experimental engineering, or a closely related field
• Understanding of propulsion disciplines including internal ballistics, grain design, nozzle design, motor case design, or propulsion performance
• Strong foundation in thermodynamics and internal ballistics, including combustion, propellant energetics, and burn-rate behaviour
• Working knowledge of nozzle flow theory and thrust coefficient behaviour, including off-design and altitude effects
• Working knowledge of pressure-vessel and composite structural design principles
• Proficiency in Python or a similar programming language for developing engineering analysis tools
• Understanding of verification and validation approaches for propulsion hardware
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work from first principles
• Ability to work independently and take responsibility for technical work within a fast-moving team
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

Desirable experience:

• Direct experience designing, manufacturing, assembling, or testing solid rocket motors
• Experience with composite filament-winding process design or qualification
• Experience supporting or executing static-fire test campaigns
• Experience analysing pressure, force, temperature, or other propulsion test instrumentation data
• Propellant formulation or strand-burner testing experience
• Experience with explosives licensing, range safety, or similar regulatory processes
• Experience at an early-stage aerospace company or similar environment
• Familiarity with vehicle-level launch-vehicle design, including staging, mass budgeting, or trajectory analysis

How We Work With You

When you apply through Get A Job.ai, our recruiting team will review your profile and conduct an initial screening to understand your background and propulsion engineering experience. If there is a strong match, we will submit your profile to our client for consideration and guide you through their interview process. Please apply only through Get A Job.ai—do not contact the client directly.

Our client offers comprehensive relocation support including flights, shipping, and visa assistance for international candidates. The role is based in Germany and requires comfort working in a fast-paced startup environment with a 48-hour working week structure. Benefits include stock options, meals provided daily, and access to shared company housing.

Pay

Compensation details will be discussed during the screening process and are competitive within the aerospace sector for this level of expertise.

Equal Opportunity: Get A Job.ai is committed to inclusive recruiting practices. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and work with clients who share our commitment to building equitable workplaces.