Propulsion Engineering Intern

Opus Aerospace; Brétigny-sur-Orge; Remote; EUR 10,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

OPUS Aerospace, a Brétigny-sur-Orge based space and defense startup, invites an engineering student into its Propulsion team to contribute to the HTP/propane engine development campaign. You will assist with test planning, data analysis, and instrumentation alongside experienced propulsion engineers.

This internship emphasizes hands-on experimentation, model development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration in an international team. Strong English is recommended.

Qualifications

• Final year of an engineering school or a Master’s degree in aeronautics, space, or mechanical/energy engineering.
• Knowledge of rocket propulsion, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.
• Ability to design analytical models and data-processing tools using MATLAB/Simulink or Python.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and execution of the HTP/propane engine development and test activities.
• Process and analyze test data and compare with predictions.
• Develop or improve 0D/1D tools to size and model engine performance.
• Assist in design, integration and instrumentation of engine and test bench sub-systems.
• Document test results and maintain technical documentation.

Skills

Rocket propulsion knowledge

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Education

Master’s or engineering degree in aeronautics/space/mechanical/energy

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

Job description

OPUS Aerospace is a start-up founded in 2020, positioned at the crossroads of space and defense, based in Brétigny-sur-Orge on the former Air Base 217, developing sounding rockets for very high altitude up to the edge of space, dedicated to dual-use applications.

Through Mesange, its supersonic sounding rocket, the company addresses defense applications such as simulating aerial threats, qualifying detection and interception systems, and training armed forces, as well as civilian missions such as microgravity experiments, upper atmosphere research, and qualifying space technologies in a real environment.

As it prepares for Mesange’s first flight, OPUS Aerospace is building a sovereign, disruptive capability brick by brick.

You will be integrated into the Propulsion department, which develops the liquid rocket engine powering Mesange, running on high-test peroxide (HTP) and propane. You will support the planning and execution of the engine development campaign, from test preparation to data analysis, working alongside experienced propulsion engineers.

Internship objective

Contribute to the planning and execution of the HTP/propane engine development and test activities, and help consolidate the technical feedback that feeds the next design iterations.

Examples of tasks during the internship:

• Support the preparation and execution of engine tests (test plans, test bench configuration, procedures, safety and operational checklists)
• Process and analyze test data (chamber pressure, mass flow rates, temperatures, thrust, combustion stability) and compare results with predictions
• Develop or improve 0D/1D tools to size, model and predict engine and feed system performance
• Assist in the design, integration and instrumentation of engine and test bench sub-systems
• Document test results and maintain the technical documentation
• Last year of an engineering school or a master’s degree in aeronautics, space, or mechanical/energy engineering, with an interest in the defense and space fields
• Knowledge of rocket propulsion, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics (liquid propulsion is a plus)
• Ability to design analytical models and data-processing tools using MATLAB/Simulink or Python
• Hands-on mindset and interest in experimental work, test benches and instrumentation; awareness of safety practices when handling hazardous fluids is a plus
• Motivated, autonomous and proactive
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and international team
• B2 or higher in English is highly recommended