Chemical Engineer (m/f/d)

HyImpulse; Neuenstadt am Kocher; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Spendit card

Christmas bonus

Bike leasing

Gift for occasions

Team events

30 days vacation

Flex hours

Free beverages

Open feedback culture

Development trainings

Buddy program

Startup environment

Job summary

HyImpulse in Baden-Württemberg is seeking a chemist/engineer to contribute to the development of hybrid rocket propellants for cutting-edge space launchers. You will design and optimize paraffin- and polymer-based formulations, and work with propulsion engineers to align curing processes with performance targets.

The role requires hands-on laboratory work, materials processing, and testing across mechanical, thermal, and chemical domains.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Propulsion or a related field.
• Experience in development and characterization of polymers, propellants, or advanced materials.
• Knowledge of mechanical, thermal, and chemical testing methods.
• Hands-on lab work, material processing, and manufacturing support.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with structured, independent working style.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Excellent written and spoken English and German skills.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to development of hybrid rocket motors, focusing on propellant development.
• Develop and optimize paraffin- and polymer-based propellants.
• Collaborate with propulsion engineers to align formulations with target performance.
• Conduct mechanical, thermal, and chemical testing and validate formulations with hot-fire tests.
• Support production and casting processes to ensure high-quality manufacturing standards.

Skills

Polymer science

Propulsion knowledge

Lab testing

Analytical skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

German and English

Education

Relevant degree (Chemistry/Chemical Eng/Materials/Polymer/Propulsion)

Job description

• Contribute to the development of hybrid rocket motors, with a particular focus on propellant development
• Develop and optimize propellants based on paraffin and advanced polymer formulations
• Collaborate with propulsion engineers to align chemical formulations and curing processes with target motor performance
• Conduct mechanical, thermal, and chemical testing, and validate formulations through regular rocket engine hot-fire tests
• Support fuel grain production and casting processes to ensure high-quality manufacturing standards

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of hybrid rocket motors, with a particular focus on propellant development
• Develop and optimize propellants based on paraffin and advanced polymer formulations
• Collaborate with propulsion engineers to align chemical formulations and curing processes with target motor performance
• Conduct mechanical, thermal, and chemical testing, and validate formulations through regular rocket engine hot-fire tests
• Support fuel grain production and casting processes to ensure high-quality manufacturing standards

Basic Qualification

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Propulsion or a related field
• Experience in the development and characterization of polymers, propellants, or advanced materials
• Knowledge of mechanical, thermal, and chemical testing methods
• Hands‑on experience with laboratory work, material processing, and manufacturing support
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a structured and independent working style
• Ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Very good written and spoken English and German skills

Desired Experience

• Experience with propulsion systems, combustion processes, or aerospace applications
• Familiarity with propellant formulation, curing, casting, and validation testing

Benefits

• €50 monthly Spendit Card – because it’s the little extras that make a difference
• Christmas bonus on top
• Job bike leasing for a sporty and sustainable commute
• €60 gift for special occasions (birthday, wedding, birth of a child)
• Regular team events – from Christmas parties to adventure offsites
• 30 days of vacation to fully recharge
• Flexible working hours (flextime) to match your personal rhythm
• Free coffee, tea & water – fuel for big ideas
• Open, respectful feedback culture at eye level
• Personal development opportunities through trainings, coaching & language courses
• Buddy program with structured onboarding, including a welcome package
• A diverse and inspiring startup environment, where talented people from over 16 nations collaborate to build something extraordinary
• Hands‑on involvement across end‑to‑end development processes in a fast‑growing New Space startup

Location

Our location in Neuenstadt in the region of Heilbronn offers an ideal combination of rural charm and urban quality of life. Located in the heart of Baden-Württemberg, the region is characterized by its excellent traffic connections and diverse opportunities for leisure activities. Discover the advantages of this dynamic and liveable environment and benefit from a good work‑life balance.

2023, Baden-Württemberg registered by far the most patents in Germany. A total of 16,000 people work in LR BW member companies and generate an annual turnover of around 5 billion euros - and the trend is rising. The strength of Baden-Württemberg's aerospace industry lies in the integrated value chain from the screw to the research satellite.

Equal Employment Opportunity

HyImpulse is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age or disability.

About Us

HyImpulse is developing launch vehicles based on innovative hybrid propulsion technology and is constantly pushing boundaries beyond the limits within multiple disciplines to provide competitive low‑cost and sustainable access to space. We are looking for exceptional talents who are passionate about rockets, ready to work in a fast‑paced environment and take on challenging projects.