Head of Propulsion Systems

Darwin Recruitment; Reims; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Space is seeking a Head of Propulsion Systems for a European launch vehicle programme. You will own the propulsion architecture, development strategy, testing and qualification while leading a growing propulsion team on-site in France.

The role combines technical leadership with hands-on management, ensuring propulsion systems are delivered safely, reliably and in line with programme goals. Strong English and space propulsion background required.

Qualifications

• 7-8 years of engineering experience in propulsion or fluid systems.
• At least 2 years of experience leading, coordinating, or managing engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of space propulsion and product development lifecycle.
• Fluent communication in English (C1 level).

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Propulsion team, including workload planning, recruitment, mentoring and capability development.
• Own propulsion system architecture, requirements and design baselines.
• Align propulsion requirements with the wider launch system through Systems Engineering.
• Provide technical authority on propulsion decisions and trade-offs.
• Define development, testing, verification and validation strategies.

Skills

Team leadership

Propulsion systems knowledge

Systems thinking

Education

Engineering degree (Propulsion Systems/Fluid Systems or related)

Job description

Darwin Space are working with a European launch vehicle company who are looking for a Head of Propulsion Systems to take ownership of their propulsion function and lead the team responsible for developing and delivering the system.

This is a hands-on leadership position, combining technical authority with team leadership. You’ll be responsible for the propulsion architecture, development strategy, testing and qualification, while helping shape the team and ensuring the propulsion system is delivered safely, reliably and in line with the wider launch vehicle programme.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading and developing the Propulsion team, including workload planning, recruitment, mentoring and capability development
• Owning the propulsion system architecture, requirements and design baselines
• Working closely with Systems Engineering to ensure propulsion requirements align with the wider launch system
• Leading technical trade-offs and providing technical authority across propulsion decisions
• Defining the development, testing, verification and validation strategy
• Managing TRL maturation through to qualification and acceptance
• Supporting supplier selection, Make-or-Buy decisions and technical supplier oversight
• Ensuring propulsion manufacturing, assembly and integration processes are properly defined and qualified
• Managing engineering activities against programme budgets, resources and schedules
• Identifying technical risks and understanding their impact on cost and programme delivery
• Working closely with MAIT, Operations, Systems Engineering and Programme teams throughout development
• Maintaining strong engineering, quality and configuration management processes

What we’re looking for

You’ll ideally have around 7-8 years of engineering experience within propulsion or fluid systems, with a background in Space, Aerospace or Defence. Alongside your engineering experience, you’ll need at least 2 years of experience leading, coordinating or managing engineering teams.

We’re looking for someone with a strong understanding of space propulsion and the wider product development lifecycle, with experience taking systems through development, testing and qualification.

You’ll also need:

• A degree in Engineering, ideally specialising in Propulsion Systems, Fluid Systems or a related discipline
• Experience with engineering planning, budgets and resource management
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking
• The ability to take ownership of complex technical decisions
• Strong communication skills and C1-level English

A note on location

This is an on-site position in France. Candidates already based locally are welcome, and relocation support is available for those looking to move for the role.

For candidates relocating from outside the region, previous space propulsion experience is essential.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced propulsion engineer who has already taken on team leadership responsibilities and is ready to take ownership of a propulsion function within a launch vehicle programme.