Propulsion Valve Development Engineer (m/f/d)

Rocket Factory Augsburg - RFA; Augsburg; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International team environment

Flexible working hours

Home office (one day/week)

Job summary

Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) seeks a Propulsion Valve Development Engineer to own valve and fluid control hardware from concept to flight. You’ll work with propulsion, manufacturing, and test teams to ensure robust, manufacturable designs and successful qualification campaigns.

The role requires a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, strong fluid systems knowledge, and hands-on testing experience in a fast-paced, international startup environment.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, including compressible and incompressible flow behavior.
• Solid knowledge of thermodynamics, mechanics, and pressurized fluid systems.
• Experience designing mechanical components, valves, or fluid control hardware in demanding engineering environments.
• Ability to plan, execute, and analyze hardware development and qualification tests.
• Proficiency in interpreting P&IDs and understanding complex fluid systems.
• Strong knowledge of engineering materials, manufacturing methods, and design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Ability to create and interpret technical drawings, including GD&T.
• Structured problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop valves and fluid control systems for rocket propulsion applications from concept through production and integration.
• Own the mechanical design of next-generation engine valves, creating robust and manufacturable solutions using CAD tools.
• Perform engineering analyses and interpret simulation results, including thermal, structural, and fluid flow assessments, to optimize performance and reliability.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate component and subsystem tests, transforming test data into actionable design improvements.
• Create and maintain accurate engineering documentation, including drawings, specifications, test procedures, and technical reports.
• Collaborate closely with Test, Manufacturing, Analysis, and Production teams to support hardware development, qualification, and flight readiness.
• Investigate and resolve design issues and non-conformances, driving continuous improvement across propulsion fluid systems.

Skills

Fluid mechanics

Thermodynamics

Mechanical design

Hardware testing

P&ID interpretation

Design for manufacturing

GD&T

Problem solving

English proficiency

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Python

Excel

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.

About The Team

As a Propulsion Valve Development Engineer (f/m/d), you will play a key role in developing critical fluid control hardware for our rocket engines. This is a highly hands‑on engineering position where you will take ownership of valve and fluidic system designs from initial concept through testing, qualification, and flight. You will work alongside experienced propulsion, manufacturing, test, and systems engineers, seeing your hardware progress from CAD models to hot‑fire campaigns and ultimately to launch.

If you are passionate about propulsion systems, enjoy solving complex engineering challenges, and want to contribute directly to the future of European spaceflight, we'd love to hear from you.

Your Tasks

• Design and develop valves and fluid control systems for rocket propulsion applications from concept through production and integration.
• Own the mechanical design of next‑generation engine valves, creating robust and manufacturable solutions using CAD tools.
• Perform engineering analyses and interpret simulation results, including thermal, structural, and fluid flow assessments, to optimize performance and reliability.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate component and subsystem tests, transforming test data into actionable design improvements.
• Create and maintain accurate engineering documentation, including drawings, specifications, test procedures, and technical reports.
• Collaborate closely with Test, Manufacturing, Analysis, and Production teams to support hardware development, qualification, and flight readiness.
• Investigate and resolve design issues and non‑conformances, driving continuous improvement across propulsion fluid systems.

Your Qualifications

Must‑Have Skills

• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, including compressible and incompressible flow behavior.
• Solid knowledge of thermodynamics, mechanics, and pressurized fluid systems.
• Experience designing mechanical components, valves, or fluid control hardware in demanding engineering environments.
• Ability to plan, execute, and analyze hardware development and qualification tests.
• Proficiency in interpreting Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and understanding complex fluid systems.
• Strong knowledge of engineering materials, manufacturing methods, and design‑for‑manufacturing principles.
• Ability to create and interpret technical drawings, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Structured problem‑solving skills with the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced development environment.
• Professional proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Nice‑to‑Have

• Hands‑on workshop, assembly, or prototype development experience.
• Experience designing propulsion, aerospace, automotive, energy, or other high‑performance fluid systems.
• Familiarity with Siemens NX or comparable CAD platforms.
• Experience with engineering simulations and numerical analysis tools.
• Knowledge of Python for data processing, automation, or engineering calculations.
• Strong Excel skills for technical analysis and reporting.
• Experience working in test‑intensive product development environments.

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 one day per week home office

Health: Sweat, stretch or squat it out with EGYM Wellpass

Paid Time Off: 30 days annual leave and speacial leave days

Team Culture: Join regular company and team events

Parking: Free parking for your car or 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.