Propulsion Fluidics Engineer

PAVE Space SA; Villeneuve (VD); Remote; CHF 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

PAVE Space SA in Villeneuve (VD) seeks a propulsion subsystem lead responsible for the fluidic architecture of two critical propulsion systems, from concept to flight.

You will own the HTP main engine feed system and the cold gas RCS thruster, develop verification strategies, and contribute hands-on to AIT campaigns. Expect a fast-paced environment with rapid iterations and on-site work.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience with propellant feed systems, valves, and regulators.
• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Strong fundamentals in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
• Proficiency in CAD and fluidic system modelling (NX, Python, MATLAB).
• Understanding of space environment constraints (loads, thermal, vibration, materials).
• Hands-on experience with prototype assembly, fluidic system integration and testing.
• Fluent English.
• Nice to have: full prototype lifecycle experience, French language skills.

Responsibilities

• Size and design the HTP main engine feed system, from concept to flight.
• Size and design the cold gas RCS thruster and feed system, from concept to flight.
• Verification and validation strategy for both propulsion fluidic systems.
• Fluidic Ground Support Equipment design for system testing, validation, and launch pad fuelling.
• Hands-on contribution to Assembly, Integration, and Test campaigns: troubleshooting, functional tests, environmental testing support.

Skills

Propellant feed systems

Valves & regulators

Fluid dynamics

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluent English

Education

Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering degree

Tools

NX

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Our IOD mission is on the clock. The main engine feed system and the cold gas RCS are both greenfield: no legacy constraints, just a propulsion team ready to support you and a timeline that means your first design decisions need to happen in weeks, not months. You'll own the full fluidic architecture of the spacecraft as a subsystem lead within the propulsion team.

You will own

Size and design the HTP main engine feed system, from concept to flight

Size and design the cold gas RCS thruster and feed system, from concept to flight

Verification and validation strategy for both propulsion fluidic systems

Fluidic Ground Support Equipment design for system testing, validation, and launch pad fuelling

Hands-on contribution to Assembly, Integration, and Test campaigns: troubleshooting, functional tests, environmental testing support

What we are looking for

2+ years of proven experience with propellant feed systems, valves, and regulators, preferably in aerospace, aeronautical, or automotive applications

Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience that tells the same story

Strong fundamentals in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer

Proficiency in CAD and fluidics system modelling (NX, Python, MATLAB, or equivalent)

Solid understanding of the space environment and its constraints: loads, thermal, vibration, materials

Hands-on experience with prototype assembly, fluidic system integration, and testing

Fluent English (our working language)

Nice to have: full prototype lifecycle experience from manufacturing through testing, French language skills, experience qualifying fluid systems for flight.

You will fit if

You want to own two critical subsystems from a blank page to flight hardware, not contribute a slice of someone else's design.

You're as comfortable in the test lab tightening fittings as you are at your desk sizing a regulator.

You prioritise simplicity and robustness over elegance, because what you design has to work in orbit.

You move fast through design iterations and don't wait for perfect inputs to start.

This is fully on-site in Villeneuve (VD). Both systems are greenfield, which means there's nothing to inherit and everything to build. The timeline to flight is real and tight: design cycles will be measured in weeks, and decisions you make early will be hard to revisit later. That's the nature of the work, not a warning. What makes that worth it: you'll see hardware you designed from scratch fly on the most ambitious space programme in Switzerland, with your fluidic architecture keeping it alive from engine ignition to final orbit insertion.