Principal Propulsion Engineer (Fluid Systems)

Defence Co.; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilmour Space Technologies is seeking a Principal Propulsion Engineer (Fluid Systems) to lead design, analysis and testing of propulsion fluid systems for launch vehicles at our Bowen facility in Queensland. You will drive R&D programs from concept to completion with cross‑functional teams and ensure designs meet required standards.

The role requires 10+ years in propulsion or mechanical fluid systems, strong CAD/FEA/CFD skills, and leadership experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor/Master degree in an engineering discipline.
• 10+ years in propulsion/aerospace or mechanical fluid systems development.
• 5+ years with at least one commercial FEA/CFD package.
• 5+ years CAD design of parts/assemblies.
• Demonstrated leadership of a team and delivery of projects on time and within budget.
• Design and build of fluids systems for gases and cryogenic temps.
• NV1 clearance eligible preferred.
• Proficient with MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis and testing of propulsion fluid systems (pressurisation, feed, RCS, propellant management).
• Lead R&D projects from concept to completion with minimal guidance.
• Support propulsion fluid system testing and failure investigations.

Skills

Propulsion Systems

FEA/CFD

CAD NX/Teamcenter

Project Leadership

Cryogenic Fluids

MS Office

Security Clearance

Education

Bachelor/Master in Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

ABAQUS

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 Propulsion Engineer (Fluid Systems) looking for a dynamic role where your skills will make a real impact? Have you ever dreamt of working with 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:

• Lead the selection, design, analysis and testing of various fluid systems of our launch vehicles, including but not limited to pressurisation systems, feed systems, RCS systems, propellant management devices, engine fluid systems, and associated components.
• Lead R&D projects from concept through to completion and able to deliver a complex goal with no guidance required
• Support the testing of propulsion fluid systems and assist in failure investigations and anomaly resolution
• Review and approve fluid system designs and analyses within the company, ensuring they meet requirements and standards.
• Support programs and projects through the delivery of document packages for design reviews (PDR, CDR, etc.) and test operations (TRR, TRB, etc.)
• Set, standardise and maintain fluid system design and analysis standards, approaches and quality across the team and wider company
• Support launch preparations and launch operations, as needed
• Communicate with head of propulsion, program managers and team members throughout the company to develop good working relationships and ensure daily operational requirements are met.
• Provide technical guidance on fluid systems when requested by the head of department or wider company
• Mentor and support junior members of the team
• Perform other duties as requested by Management

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
• 5+ years of experience with at least one commercial FEA and CFD multiphysics simulation package (ANSYS preferred or NASTRAN, ABAQUS, CFD codes, etc)
• 5+ years experience with CAD designing parts and assemblies (NX/Teamcenter preferred, but other relevant experience is valuable)
• Demonstrated experience leading a team of engineers and delivering commissioned projects within tight schedule and budget constraints
• 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.
• Knowledge of ECSS (E-10/30/60), SMC, Mil and NASA standards as applicable
• 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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with the ability to build and maintain personable and positive working relationships

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.