Senior Ground Systems Engineer (m/f/d) Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany

Rocket Factory Augsburg AG; Augsburg; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Atmosphere: international startup

Flexible working hours

Home office: 1 day/week

Health program

30 days annual leave

Team events

Free parking

Job summary

Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) is seeking a Senior Ground Systems Engineer to design, develop, and commission critical ground infrastructure for launch and test sites. You will own systems across their lifecycle, perform hydraulic and mechanical analyses, and ensure safety and reliability through rigorous documentation and reviews.

You will collaborate with propulsion, operations, avionics, and manufacturing teams, contributing to a fast-moving, international environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master'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.
• Experience managing engineering activities across full project lifecycle from concept to deployment.
• Experience creating and interpreting technical documentation including P&IDs and system layouts.
• Knowledge of industrial instrumentation, sensors, valves, control systems, and automation interfaces.
• Experience with safety/risk assessments such as HAZOP, FMEA or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of ground support systems for launch and test facilities.
• Own systems throughout their lifecycle from requirements to commissioning and operations.
• Perform analyses, sizing calculations, and technical assessments for pressure and fluid systems.
• Create, review, and maintain technical documentation including P&IDs and design reports.
• Drive commissioning activities and support operational readiness and optimization.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure successful project execution.

Skills

Mechanical design

Project lifecycle

Engineering analyses

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Aerospace/Process Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

P&IDs

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 aSenior 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

Rocket Factory Augsburg 6.15K subscribers

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.