Space System Engineer (M/F) Propulsion · Massy, Toulouse ·

Exotrail SA; France; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Exotrail is seeking an experienced System Engineer to define and manage system-level requirements across multidisciplinary teams, from concept through launch and operation.

The role involves trade studies, risk assessments, and ensuring propulsion systems align with product requirements and regulatory standards. Strong English, startup-friendly mindset, and experience with space industry standards are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in system engineering for space-related systems.
• Master’s degree in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering or related field required.
• Knowledge of ECSS and NASA standards; MIL-STD familiarity is essential.
• Experience with spacecraft subsystems interfaces and spacecraft-level trades.
• Strong understanding of communication protocols (SPI, RS-485, CAN).
• Familiarity with launchers, range safety, propulsion principles; radiation and reliability analyses.
• Experience collaborating with product/component developers and supply chain stakeholders.
• Excellent written and spoken English; ability to drive initiatives in a startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Define, manage and track system-level requirements and provide technical support for non-conformities.
• Perform design analyses including FMECA and reliability assessments.
• Coordinate and write system documentation (ICDs, design justification, compliance matrices, user manuals).
• Support technical reviews and align with project milestones.
• Collaborate with test engineering to define qualification and acceptance tests and ensure propulsion systems meet specs.

Skills

System engineering

ECSS/NASA standards

MIL-STD

SPI

R485

CAN

Launchers knowledge

Propulsion principles

Reliability analysis

FMECA

Radiation analysis

Supply chain experience

English fluency

Education

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or related field

Job description

About Exotrail

Born from a strong ambition to reach for the stars, Exotrail is a fast-growing scale-up founded in 2017. Its mission: to develop and commercialize propulsion systems for small satellites on a global scale.

We design products focused on impact, fast delivery, and continuous improvement. Inspired by the digital world, we are firmly customer-oriented and driven by an entrepreneurial spirit.

We manage risks to push boundaries and achieve results that would not be possible within a traditional space model.

We deploy every necessary resource to support the development of our products, whether in propulsion or in-orbit services. Strengthened by an innovative mindset inherited from our early days, we are preparing to grow into an ambitious industrial company.

Job Description

The System Engineer’s role involves defining system requirements, coordinate technical deliverables across multidisciplinary teams (such as plasma, thermal, mechanical, electronics, test, industrial), and ensuring that subsystems work together seamlessly to meet product and mission objectives. In this position you will perform trade studies, risk assessments, reliability analysis to balance performance, safety, cost, and schedule. You will also ensure that the propulsion system aligns with overall product requirements, regulatory standards, and mission goals from concept through launch and operation.

Main responsibilities

Define, manage and track system-level requirements as well as provide technical support in case of non-conformities.

Perform design analysis, such as Failure Modes Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), reliability analysis.

Coordinate and write system documentation, such as interface control documents, design justification, compliance matrix, user manual and tools used to operate the propulsion system.

Support technical reviews and ensure alignment with internal or external project milestones.

Collaborate with the test engineering team in the definition of qualification and acceptance tests; as well as with the technical and project team to ensure the propulsion systems responds to product and system specifications.

Preferred Experience

• At least 8 years of experience in system engineering of key space systems (subsystems, payloads or satellites).
• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• Knowledge of ECSS/NASA standards. Familiar with MIL-STD standards.
• Understand communication protocol (SPI, R485, CAN).
• Familiar with launchers and range safety requirements. Knowledge of propulsion principles is a plus.
• Familiarity with reliability, FMECA, radiation, worst case analysis and tools.
• Experience working with product/component developers and vendors supply chain
• Good communication skills in English, written and spoken (professional fluency).
• Willingness to join the dynamic, vibrant, demanding environment of a start-up.
• Autonomous, proactive and capable of driving initiatives across the organization.

About our recruitment process

We are committed to recruiting the right people for the right job regardless of your private background.

We meet at least three times in order to give you a better idea of what it's like to work at Exotrail:
1. Technical interview with our Talent Acquisition Manager: you will learn more about the position and our culture
2. On-site interview with your future manager: you will discover your work environment and learn more about the required qualifications
3. Interview with the team and a founder: you can make sure that you share the same vision and values of the company