Propulsion Development Engineer

PetsApp; Wien; On-site; EUR 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lunch provided

Transport ticket

Flexible hours

International team

Job summary

GATE Space in Vienna, Austria is seeking a Propulsion Development Engineer to contribute to the GATE Thruster family. You will work across design, analysis, prototyping, manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing on a hands-on propulsion program.

You will collaborate with experienced propulsion engineers, perform CAD and analyses, build prototypes and support test campaigns to drive design improvements. A direct, career-building opportunity awaits in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in propulsion or space hardware development.
• Proficiency with CAD tools for mechanical design and assemblies.
• Experience performing mechanical, thermal, fluid or structural analyses.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB and propulsion performance tools.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design and development of chemical thrusters and subsystems.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies and drawings.
• Perform engineering analyses to support design decisions.
• Build prototypes and breadboard setups for testing.
• Support test campaigns and analyse test data for improvements.
• Oversee assembly, integration and testing activities.
• Document activities, analyses and decisions clearly.
• Take ownership of assigned tasks and drive them to completion.

Skills

3D CAD

Python

MATLAB

Engineering analyses

English communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Aerospace/Mechanical

Tools

NASA CEA

RPA

ANSYS

EcosimPro

Job description

Propulsion Development Engineer

At GATE Space, we develop green, chemical in-space propulsion solutions for the NewSpace economy. Drawing on years of experience developing rocket engines, our team is chasing the dream of a thriving economy in space and tackling space engineering problems with a rapid prototyping philosophy. We focus on the development of two products: the GATE Jetpack – a plug-and-play mobility solution for satellite missions – and the GATE Thruster – the world’s first chemical propulsion system capable of highly responsive deep throttling and differential thrust stabilization.

At GATE Space, we are committed to workforce diversity, equality and inclusion. We want to build a diverse team and welcome and value all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

About your role:

As a Propulsion Development Engineer at GATE Space, you will contribute to the development of our GATE Thruster product family, working across design, analysis, prototyping, manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing.

You will work closely with experienced propulsion engineers and contribute to the development and improvement of propulsion components and subsystems. Your responsibilities will range from developing CAD designs and performing engineering analyses to building prototypes, supporting test campaigns and analysing test data to drive design improvements.

This is a hands-on role for an engineer who enjoys working with real hardware and wants to be involved in the full development lifecycle. As you gain experience, you will have the opportunity to take ownership of specific components, subsystems or one of our existing thruster products and contribute to their continued development and performance.

Your primary tasks:

• Contribute to the design and development of chemical thrusters and subsystems.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies and technical drawings.
• Perform engineering analyses to support design decisions, including mechanical, thermal, fluid and/or structural analyses.
• Build and develop prototypes and breadboard setups, from component selection and procurement through assembly and preparation for testing.
• Follow the manufacturing of propulsion hardware, working with suppliers and manufacturing teams to ensure that designs and technical requirements are correctly implemented.
• Contribute assembly and integration of propulsion hardware and hand over test-ready hardware to the test team.
• Support the development and improvement of test setups, procedures and instrumentation.
• Analyse test data and test results, identify unexpected behaviour and contribute to troubleshooting and design improvements.
• Document engineering activities, analyses, test results and design decisions in a clear and structured manner.
• Take ownership of assigned engineering tasks and progressively take responsibility for components or subsystems.
• Cooperate closely with propulsion, AIT and other engineering teams throughout the hardware development lifecycle.

Your Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience, preferably in the space industry.
• Knowledge of 3D CAD tools for mechanical design and assemblies.
• Experience with performing engineering analyses in areas such as mechanical, thermal, structural or fluid systems.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, ANSYS or similar engineering and data analysis tools.
• Experience with rocket propulsion performance and combustion analysis tools, such as NASA CEA, RPA.
• Fundamental understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and mechanical engineering principles.
• Ability to take ownership of engineering tasks and drive them to completion.
• A hands-on mindset and willingness to contribute to assembly, integration and testing activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication skills and the ability to clearly communicate technical information in English.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment and adapt to evolving priorities.

The following experience is a strong plus:

• [Highly Preferred] Previous experience with thruster or rocket engine development.
• [Highly Preferred] Practical experience with hardware testing, including test preparation, execution, instrumentation and/or test data analysis.
• Experience in working with nitrous-based systems.
• Experience with system-level modelling and simulation tools such as EcosimPro.
• Experience in spacecraft propulsion or fluid system development.
• Experience with pressurized systems or high-pressure hardware.
• Experience with propulsion system test campaigns.
• Experience with technical drawings, tolerancing, GD&T and design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Experience with manufacturing processes and working with suppliers.
• Familiarity with engineering requirements, verification processes and industry standards such as ECSS.
• Experience in developing space hardware up to TRL 7.

About your employment

We are looking for a full-time employee, starting as soon as possible. This role is in-person in Vienna, Austria with occasional travel to customers all across Europe & the US as well as conferences and industry events globally.

What we offer

• Minimum annual gross salary of EUR 48,000. A higher salary can be offered depending on qualifications, experience, and professional background.
• A front-row seat in the development and implementation of innovative space missions and technologies.
• The opportunity to help shape a rapidly growing European space company.
• Variable compensation opportunities as part of performance and reward programs
• Daily company-sponsored lunch.
• Public transportation ticket.
• Flexible working hours.
• Direct collaboration with leading industrial, scientific, and institutional partners.
• A highly motivated and ambitious international team working to redefine in-space mobility.