Senior Ground Systems Engineer (m/f/d)

Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (EN); Augsburg; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International culture

Flexible hours

Home office

Health benefits

30 days PTO

Team events

Free parking

Job summary

Rocket Factory Augsburg AG seeks a Senior Ground Systems Engineer (m/f/d) to design, develop, and commission ground support systems for launch and test facilities across sites. You will own systems from concept through operation and collaborate with propulsion, avionics, manufacturing, and safety teams.

Required are a degree in a technical field, experience with industrial and launch-site systems, and strong English proficiency. Willingness to travel to test sites and test facilities is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Process Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline.
• Proven experience designing, developing, or operating industrial, launch-site, test-site, or large-scale process systems.
• Strong expertise in pressure systems, fluid mechanics, piping systems, and process engineering principles.
• Demonstrated ability to manage engineering activities across the full project lifecycle, from concept development to operational deployment.
• Experience creating and interpreting technical documentation, including P&IDs, system layouts, engineering drawings, and design reports.
• Knowledge of industrial instrumentation, sensors, valves, control systems, and automation interfaces.
• Experience conducting or contributing to safety and risk assessments such as HAZOP, FMEA, or equivalent methodologies.
• Strong 3D CAD skills using Siemens NX or comparable engineering design software.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing technical challenges, and drive solutions to completion.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Professional proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of ground support systems for launch and test facilities, including fluid, mechanical, and process systems.
• Own systems throughout their complete lifecycle, from requirements definition and conceptual design through detailed engineering, commissioning, and operational support.
• Perform engineering analyses, sizing calculations, and technical assessments for pressure, fluid handling, and mechanical systems.
• Create, review, and maintain technical documentation, including P&IDs, system specifications, design reports, procedures, and operational documentation.
• Drive commissioning activities and support operational readiness, troubleshooting, and performance optimization of installed systems.
• Conduct and contribute to technical risk assessments, HAZOP studies, safety reviews, and design validation activities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners, suppliers, and contractors to ensure successful project execution across multiple sites.

Job description

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

Join our international and fast-moving Launch & Ground Systems team and help shape the future of European space transportation. As a Senior Ground Systems Engineer (m/f/d), you will play a key role in designing, developing, and commissioning the critical infrastructure that enables rocket testing and launch operations.

This position offers the opportunity to work across the entire engineering lifecycle, from concept development and system architecture to commissioning and operational support. You will collaborate with experts from propulsion, launch operations, avionics, manufacturing, and safety to deliver robust and reliable ground systems for launch and test sites.

If you are passionate about solving complex engineering challenges, enjoy working hands‑on with hardware, and want to contribute directly to making space more accessible, we would love to hear from you.

Your Tasks

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of ground support systems for launch and test facilities, including fluid, mechanical, and process systems.
• Own systems throughout their complete lifecycle, from requirements definition and conceptual design through detailed engineering, commissioning, and operational support.
• Perform engineering analyses, sizing calculations, and technical assessments for pressure, fluid handling, and mechanical systems.
• Create, review, and maintain technical documentation, including P&IDs, system specifications, design reports, procedures, and operational documentation.
• Drive commissioning activities and support operational readiness, troubleshooting, and performance optimization of installed systems.
• Conduct and contribute to technical risk assessments, HAZOP studies, safety reviews, and design validation activities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners, suppliers, and contractors to ensure successful project execution across multiple sites.

Your Qualifications

Must-Have Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Process Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Proven experience designing, developing, or operating industrial, launch-site, test-site, or large-scale process systems.
• Strong expertise in pressure systems, fluid mechanics, piping systems, and process engineering principles.
• Demonstrated ability to manage engineering activities across the full project lifecycle, from concept development to operational deployment.
• Experience creating and interpreting technical documentation, including P&IDs, system layouts, engineering drawings, and design reports.
• Knowledge of industrial instrumentation, sensors, valves, control systems, and automation interfaces.
• Experience conducting or contributing to safety and risk assessments such as HAZOP, FMEA, or equivalent methodologies.
• Strong 3D CAD skills using Siemens NX or comparable engineering design software.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing technical challenges, and drive solutions to completion.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Professional proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Hands‑on experience supporting commissioning, operations, or maintenance activities at industrial plants, test facilities, or launch sites.
• Experience with cryogenic systems, high‑pressure gas systems, or propellant infrastructure.
• Familiarity with launch operations, aerospace ground support equipment (GSE), or space systems.
• Experience working with suppliers, contractors, and external engineering partners.
• German language skills at an intermediate or advanced level.
• Willingness to travel to test and launch sites as required.

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

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.