Propulsion Development Engineer (m/f/d)

Rocket Factory Augsburg - RFA; Augsburg; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International start-up atmosphere

Flexible working hours

Home office: 1 day/week

EGYM Wellpass for health

30 days annual leave

Company events

Free parking

Job summary

Rocket Factory Augsburg - RFA seeks a propulsion engineer to advance liquid rocket engine development. You will work with test, manufacturing and analysis teams, translating data into design improvements and CAD updates for next-gen inlet lines.

The role requires hands-on experience with propulsion systems, P&IDs, and simulation tools. Fluent English and a disciplined, fast-paced work style are essential to thrive in our international New Space environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in aerospace or related field required.
• 2+ years in space propulsion systems or related industry.
• Strong understanding of compressible/incompressible flow and thermodynamics.
• Experience with liquid rocket engines, feed lines or bellows a plus.
• Experience testing bipropellant engines and interpreting P&IDs.

Responsibilities

• Develop liquid rocket engine feed lines and test data analysis.
• Collaborate with Test, Manufacturing, analysis and Production teams.
• Investigate test anomalies and perform root cause analysis.
• Create design specs for engine development and test plans.
• Own CAD for next-gen engine inlet lines and interpret results in CAD.
• Conduct design, analysis and development tasks for propulsion systems.
• Create test plans and analyze outcomes; initiate engine production.

Skills

Space propulsion experience

Thermodynamics

Fluid dynamics

Cryogenic/pressurized systems

P&IDs interpretation

Python

Excel

Engineering drawings

RPA & CoolProp

Siemens NX

Rocketisp

Education

Degree in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Siemens NX

Rocketisp

Job description

About Rocket Factory Augsburg

At Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), we have one clear goal: to create low-cost, flexible, and reliable access to space. We specialize in building small launch vehicles designed to deploy satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond. Together with you, we aim to revolutionize space services and help improve life on Earth. Sounds interesting? Then join our journey and become part of the team driving the New Space movement in Europe.

Your Tasks

• Support the development of liquid rocket engine feed lines based on real test data and development roadmap
• Collaborate daily with Test, Manufacturing, analysis and Production teams
• Investigate test anomalies and perform root cause analysis to improve performances
• Ensure design documentation is correct and up to date
• Create design specs for engine development (pressure cascade, performance numbers, etc.)
• Understand the basics of turbomachinery, valve, thrust chamber and injector design
• Use various testing, analysis, modelling and simulation tools to estimate or calculate system performance
• Interpret simulation results and incorporate learnings into CAD (Thermal, Structural, Flow, etc.)
• Perform design, analysis and development engineering tasks for various propulsion systems
• Own CAD of next gen engine inlet lines
• Create test plans and analyse test results
• Initiate and foster production of engines
• Creation of medium to long term timelines for development of the engine’s subsystems

Your Qualifications

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Engineering or related discipline
• 2+ years work experience in space propulsion systems
• Demonstrated proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, and pressurized components
• Some experience in the design of liquid rocket engines, preferably feed lines and their bellows
• Experienced in testing of bipropellant liquid engines
• Experienced in interpreting P&IDs and a strong understanding of pressurized systems
• Excellent knowledge of physics, engineering materials and manufacturing processes
• Experienced in RPA, and Coolprop
• Experience with Siemens NX and Rocketisp is a plus
• Experience with Python and excel is a plus
• Understanding of engineering technical drawings
• Hands-on workshop experience is beneficial
• Fluent English oral and written (all day-to-day activities are performed in English)
• Self-independent, a structured way of working and committed to working in a fast-paced environment

We offer

• Atmosphere: Experience life in an international & dynamic New Space start-up
• Flexibility: Fit your working schedule to your needs with flexible working hours
• Home Office: Full-time employees benefit from 1 day per week home office
• Health: Sweat, stretch or squat it out with EGYM Wellpass
• Paid Time Off: 30 days annual leave and special leave days
• RFA Family: Join regular company and team events
• Parking: Free parking for car and bike

Insights

Ready to take the next step?

Join RFA and help build one of Europe’s most efficient launch systems. Work alongside 300+ colleagues from over 40 countries and take ownership from day one.

If you’re looking to grow, take responsibility, and contribute to making space more accessible, we’d love to hear from you.