Lead Engineer Fluid Systems (w/f/d)

Isar Aerospace SE; Ottobrunn; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days of vacation

Company pension plan (20% employer)

Subsidised lunch

Deutschlandticket (public transport)

Sport Clubs membership

Individual learning allowance

Childcare allowance

Employee Participation Program

Job summary

Isar Aerospace SE is seeking a Lead Engineer for Fluid Systems in Ottobrunn, Germany. You will lead the on-board fluid systems development, testing, and operation across all program phases, mentoring a high-performing team and driving system-level reliability and mission readiness.

You will define the technology roadmap, oversee test campaigns, collaborate with manufacturing, and manage budgets and resources to ensure timely delivery of launch vehicle capabilities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar Engineering.
• At least 5 years of experience in rocket propulsion / fluid system development.
• Experience with cryogenic propulsion systems with proven involvement in practical development activities.
• Demonstrated deep domain knowledge with fluid system design, development and testing.
• Proven success in developing complex systems and leading a multi-disciplinary team.
• Proven ability to manage risk and uncertainty in a dynamic priority-setting environment.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and good technical reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the performance, functionality, and mission readiness of the launch vehicle's on-board fluid systems.
• Lead the design, development, testing, acceptance, qualification, and operation of the fluid system and related hardware.
• Define and execute the fluid systems roadmap, design methodologies, and engineering toolchain.
• Plan and oversee system, stage acceptance, and qualification test campaigns.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and cross-functional teams for successful hardware realization and integration.
• Lead, mentor, and grow the Fluid Systems team and manage recruitment and career development.
• Manage priorities, resources, schedules, and technical deliverables; track progress against milestones.
• Support budgeting and resource planning for personnel, software, hardware, and testing activities.
• Make technical and hiring decisions in collaboration with the Director Propulsion and report status regularly.
• Foster a culture of ownership, engineering excellence, and operational discipline.

Skills

Fluid systems design

Cryogenic propulsion

Leadership

Risk management

Technical reporting

Mentoring

System integration

Project planning

Education

Master's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

As Lead Engineer Fluid Systems, you will lead the development, qualification, and operational readiness of the launch vehicle's on-board fluid systems. You and your team will be responsible for ensuring system functionality, performance, reliability, and mission success across all phases of development, testing, qualification, and launch operations. You will build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing engineering team capable of delivering next-generation launch vehicle technologies while supporting reliable and efficient launch operations.

Your Role in Our Space Mission

• Own the performance, functionality, and mission readiness of the launch vehicle's on-board fluid systems, including fluid consumption management and system-level requirements
• Lead the design, development, testing, acceptance, qualification, and operation of the fluid system of the rocket and associated hardware
• Define and execute the launch vehicle’s fluid systems technology roadmap, design methodologies, and engineering toolchain in alignment with company objectives
• Plan and oversee system, stage acceptance, and qualification test campaigns, including design iterations, reviews, and anomaly resolution
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure successful hardware realization, system integration, and launcher performance
• Lead, mentor, and grow the Fluid Systems team, including recruitment, performance management, career development, and technical guidance
• Manage team priorities, resources, schedules, and technical deliverables while tracking development progress against program milestones
• Support budgeting and resource planning for personnel, software, hardware, and testing activities
• Make key technical and hiring decisions in collaboration with the Director Propulsion and provide regular status updates on team and program performance
• Act as a role model, fostering a culture of ownership, collaboration, engineering excellence, and operational discipline

Qualification Checklist

• Master’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar Engineering
• At least 5 years of experience in rocket propulsion / fluid system development
• Demonstrated expertise in cryogenic propulsion systems with proven involvement in practical development activities
• Demonstrated deep domain knowledge with fluid system design, development and testing
• Proven success in developing complex systems
• Experience with leading a multi-disciplinary team
• Proven ability to manage risk and uncertainty for self and team within a dynamic priority-setting environment
• Highly organized and proactive with high attention to detail
• Technical presentation and reporting skills
• Employee Participation Program: Share in our success through our virtual company share program
• 30 days of vacation: Enjoy the days off to relax and recharge
• Company pension plan: Secure your future with our company pension plan, featuring a 20% employer contribution after the probation period
• Subsidised lunch: Stay energised with delicious, subsidised lunches every day
• Public transport ticket: Commute with ease using a fully financed Deutschlandticket
• Sport Clubs membership: Stay fit with our sponsored sports club memberships (EGYM Wellpass)
• Individual learning allowance: Grow your skills with an individual learning budget granted after the probation period
• Childcare allowance: Receive a childcare allowance for your non-school-age children
• And Much More! Discover additional perks and benefits when you join our team

We are Isar Aerospace and we are at the forefront of New Space building a modern space business to enable faster, better and cheaper access to space.

Our mission is to help democratise space and use it for good in order to improve life on Earth now and for the future generations.

We are a fast-growing company aiming to provide sustainable and environmentally friendly launch solutions for small and medium-sized satellites and constellations into Low Earth Orbit. The company is privately funded by world-leading technology investors with strong commitment and support and our team is made of driven and talented people with a real passion for space innovation.

We're making rockets in a way that hasn't been done before disrupting a traditional industry. If you are up for the challenge, want to work on cutting-edge projects and be part of a team changing the world for better, come, join us and launch your career!

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Disclaimer

Isar Aerospace SE is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to fairness and inclusivity. We do not prioritize any specific religion, gender, nationality, or background. Due to security clearance requirements, affiliations with countries listed under § 13 para. 1 no. 17 SÜG may affect the application process. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.