Principal Engineer - Launch & Test Systems

Gilmour Space Technologies; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilmour Space Technologies is seeking a Principal Engineer - Launch & Test Systems to lead infrastructure design, upgrade activities and launch facilities development at our Bowen-based facility in Queensland. You will oversee interfaces between vehicle systems, GSE and infrastructure, ensuring safety, reliability and compliance with evolving standards.

The role requires 10+ years in propulsion or mechanical fluid systems, and evidence of technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering.
• 10+ years in propulsion, aerospace or mechanical fluid systems development.
• Demonstrated technical leadership of multidisciplinary engineering teams and projects.
• Design and build of fluids systems for gases and cryogenic temps.
• NV1 Security Clearance eligible preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical input into infrastructure design, upgrades and facility development.
• Develop and improve launch facilities, test systems and ground support equipment (GSE).
• Manage interfaces between vehicle systems, GSE and infrastructure.
• Own assigned engineering systems and projects from design through commissioning.
• Develop and review requirements, specifications and technical documentation.
• Manage technical risks, design reviews, verification and issue resolution.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring across engineering teams.

Skills

Technical leadership

MS Office

Australian Standards knowledge

Security clearance eligible

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Engineering

Job description

All Orbits, All Planets - Join us on our journey

Gilmour Space is a leading Australian space company, developing launch vehicles, satellite platforms, advanced propulsion technologies; and launching from our licensed orbital spaceport in Bowen, North Queensland.

Are you a creative and experienced Principal Engineer - Launch & Test Systems looking for a dynamic role where your skills will make a real impact? Have you ever dreamt of building rockets right here in Australia? Well now’s your chance! Gilmour Space is seeking a talented individual to join our innovative team to send rockets to Space! Conveniently located between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, our new state-of-the-art facility, purpose-built for designing and manufacturing rockets in-house, is equipped with the latest technology and tools, providing an ideal environment for innovation and excellence. So, what are you waiting for? Join us and be a part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and let’s send Australia to Space together!

How you will contribute to our mission in getting Australia to space:

The below is designed to give you an idea of the role you will play. There will be many more exciting and innovative things to do:

Infrastructure Engineering

• Lead technical input into infrastructure design, upgrades and facility development.
• Review engineering designs, specifications and infrastructure interfaces.
• Ensure safety, reliability, maintainability and future capability.

Launch & Test Systems

• Develop and improve launch facilities, test systems and ground support equipment (GSE).
• Manage interfaces between vehicle systems, GSE and infrastructure.
• Resolve technical issues during testing and launch operations.

Fluid & Propellant Systems

• Support fluid, gas, cryogenic and high-pressure systems.
• Review piping, valves, instrumentation, tank measurement and propellant handling systems.
• Support future vehicle fluid system design and qualification.

Engineering Delivery

• Own assigned engineering systems and projects from design through commissioning.
• Develop and review requirements, specifications and technical documentation.
• Manage technical risks, design reviews, verification and issue resolution.

Commissioning & Operational Readiness

• Support commissioning, testing, verification and operational handover.
• Develop test procedures and acceptance criteria.
• Troubleshoot system issues and improve reliability.

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical guidance and mentoring across engineering teams.
• Review technical work and support engineering decisions.
• Improve engineering standards, processes and knowledge sharing.

Future Vehicle Program Support

• Support stage-level fluid systems, propellant management and thermal systems.
• Contribute to vehicle interfaces, GSE development and system qualification.
• Participate in PDR, CDR and other technical reviews.

Mandatory Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelors or Masters degree (or higher) in an Engineering discipline
• 10+ years of experience in propulsion, aerospace or mechanical fluid system development in a professional setting
• Demonstrated technical leadership of multidisciplinary engineering teams and projects
• Design and build of fluids systems for gases and/or fuel and oxidizers at room temperature and cryogenic temperatures.
• NV1 Security Clearance eligible preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

Desired Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Experience designing to Australian Standards for high-pressure fluid systems.
• Experience with the design and testing of cryogenic systems.
• Experience with the end-to-end development of fluid systems for launch vehicles, missiles or satellites.
• Experience with the design and testing of launch and ground support equipment
• Excellent verbal and written communication with the ability to build and maintain personable and positive working relationships

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen/Permanent Resident or have an appropriate Australian work visa or work entitlements.

Gilmour Space Technologies is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all positions.