Fluid System Development Engineer

MaiaSpace; Fontainebleau; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

MaiaSpace, a European space tech company, seeks a Fluid System Development Engineer to advance propulsion fluid systems for Colibri launch vehicles. You will specify, model and test fluid systems, manage suppliers and contribute to flight mission readiness from Vernon to Kourou.

Expect collaboration in agile teams, hands-on design and development, and active participation in propulsion and attitude control system workstreams in French and English. French language learning is encouraged.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical, aeronautics or space engineering.
• 4+ years of professional experience in propulsion system development (liquid or hybrid rocket engines).
• Fluency in English; French knowledge strongly preferred.
• Able to work in a startup environment and collaborate across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Define and manage specifications for propulsion fluid systems and components.
• Coordinate multiple suppliers across France and Europe, including travel.
• Design and manufacture propulsion fluid systems, plan AIT activities.
• Develop 0D/1D fluid models for propulsion systems.
• Contribute to budgets for fluid systems (pressure, mass flow, etc.).
• Lead hot-fire test campaigns and flight campaign preparations.

Job description

Fluid System Development Engineer

MaiaSpace is a European space tech company, designing, manufacturing and operating competitive and sustainable solutions for space mobility. We are driven by the belief that access to space is a major enabler for a better and more sustainable life on Earth, addressing the challenges faced by humanity: climate, resources, connectivity, and data. Our aim is to successfully design and test a cost-effective and reusable mini-launch vehicle by end of 2026.

We are looking for a fluid system development engineer to join one of our agile multi-disciplinary teams in charge of the development of multiple propulsion systems on board the MaiaSpace launcher. This team develops advanced propulsion systems for the Colibri orbital vehicle and for the attitude control systems of the reusable first stage and the upper stage.
The Colibri orbital vehicle has different roles. It will first play a kick-stage role enhancing MaiaSpace performance and injection flexibility. Then, in midterm horizon, additional functionalities will be added to the vehicle to address in orbit services opportunities from which active debris removal is one of our main targets. This vehicle is at the crossroad between a launcher and an orbital system.

In 2026, the main objectives are to test and validate many key elements of the Colibri vehicle, including its novel propulsion system. Colibri is equipped with green chemical propulsion based on two storable propellants, high concentration hydrogen peroxide as oxidizer and ethanol as fuel. MaiaSpace has built its own test site in Vernon to perform hot fire development tests with these propellants. The plan going forward is to carry out multiple test demonstrations of the Colibri propulsion system, until its first flight mission. For the attitude control systems, the approach is similar as we are conducting and planning multiple test campaigns ahead of their first use on the first Maia flight.

Responsibilities

• Manage the specifications for propulsion fluid systems and their equipment, such as valves, tanks, pressure regulators and other fluidic components,
• Manage multiple key suppliers for propulsion sub-system equipment, which will involve multiple business trips both in France and in Europe,
• Conduct design and manufacturing activities for the propulsion fluid systems,
• Develop a performance and functional fluidic model in 0D/1D of the propulsion fluid systems,
• Consolidate the fluid systems budgets (pressure, mass flow, mass, etc.),
• Plan and conduct AIT activities for the propulsion fluid systems,
• Plan and execute multiple hot fire test campaigns for the propulsion fluid systems,
• Interact regularly with AIT and test teams in Vernon, involving a regular presence in Vernon,
• Prepare the flight submission documentation and be ready to participate to flight campaigns in Kourou,
• Participate to the definition of the operational modes and control algorithms for the propulsion fluid systems,
• Participate in the consolidation of vehicle and propulsion system budgets (propellants, power, performance, pressure, mass, length, data, etc.),
• Participate in the overall Colibri propulsion system definition and development,
• Participate in the Attitude Control Systems definition and development for all stages,
• Participate in the overall propulsion community of practice within MaiaSpace,
• Elaborate preliminary propulsion solutions for future IOS kick-stage versions.

Qualification:

We are looking for candidates with the following experience and skills:

• Master’s degree in mechanical, aeronautics or space engineering (+5 years post-Baccalaureate),
• A minimum of 4 years of professional experience with direct involvement in propulsion system development (liquid or hybrid rocket engine systems) - both junior and senior profiles are encouraged to apply,
• Ability and practical experience using MATLAB, Simulink and Python coding is required,
• Ability to use fluidic 0D/1D modelling tools such as ECOSIMPRO or AMESIM is required,
• Ability to work as part of a team and flexibly with regard to a start-up environment,
• Autonomy, rigor, good interpersonal and communication skills, proactive problem-solving attitude,
• Ability to work quickly, be "solutions-oriented" and propose disruptive ideas,
• Ability and practical experience managing suppliers, specifying and purchasing hardware,
• Agility, being comfortable with change and constantly adapting to the environment,
• Fluency in English, written and spoken,
• Fluency in French is strongly preferred – at minima an intermediate level and willingness to learn French is required.

Working at MaiaSpace

You will be joining a friendly multi-disciplinary team, comprised of multi-skilled people, following Agile and Scrum methodologies. This means that your role and responsibility may evolve over time with varied assignments and challenges depending on priorities and competences. Your work will be hands-on and in close contact with the final product. We are open-minded, transparent, pragmatic, result oriented and people centric. Teamwork is at the heart of how we work together and our co-workers share the same fundamental values: respect, humility, reactivity and autonomy with a passion for technical excellence. Our newly acquired office space at La Defense is located within the heart of Europe’s largest purpose built business and commercial district with easy access to public transport.
Written and spoken communication is in French and English.