Propulsion Valve Development Engineer (m/f/d)

Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (EN); Augsburg; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International team culture

Flexible working hours

Home office one day per week

EGYM Wellpass health program

30 days annual leave

Special leave days

Team events and parking

Job summary

Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) is seeking a Propulsion Valve Development Engineer (f/m/d) to own valve and fluidic system designs from concept through testing and flight. You will work with propulsion, manufacturing, test and systems engineers, moving hardware from CAD models to hot‑fire campaigns and launch.

You will contribute to the development of robust, manufacturable valve hardware, perform analyses, and support test campaigns in a fast‑paced, international startup environment in Augsburg.

Qualifications

• Fluids and flow knowledge for propulsion systems.
• Engineering fundamentals in thermodynamics and mechanics.
• Experience designing mechanical components and fluid hardware.
• Ability to plan, execute and analyse hardware development tests.
• Ability to read P&IDs and understand complex fluid systems.
• Experience with manufacturing methods and DFx principles.
• Ability to create/interpret technical drawings (GD&T).
• Strong problem-solving skills and independent work style.
• Proficient in English, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop valves and fluid control systems from concept to production and integration.
• Own mechanical design of next‑generation engine valves using CAD tools.
• Perform analyses and interpret simulations (thermal, structural, fluid).
• Plan, execute and evaluate component and subsystem tests; use data to improve design.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation, drawings and test procedures.
• Collaborate with Test, Manufacturing, Analysis, and Production teams for flight readiness.
• Investigate design issues and drive continuous improvement in propulsion fluids.

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 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

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.