Group Lead UK Test Site (m/f/d)

Rocket Factory Augsburg - RFA; Inverness; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) seeks a dedicated lead to establish a UK engine and stage test facility to support the scale up of the RFA ONE launches. You will relocate to the test site, build the team, and coordinate with existing engineering, procurement and programme groups.

This role demands hands-on leadership in fast-paced hardware development, knowledge of UK planning processes, and experience with regulatory environments. Travel to launch sites may be required.

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering or physics.
• Experience in testing, ideally rocket engine or launch vehicle stage testing.
• Leadership or project management in fast-paced hardware development programmes.
• Experience with UK planning processes.
• Experience with UK MoD is a plus.
• Understanding of UK and European defence and space landscape is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment and operation of an engine and stage test facility in the UK.
• Establish the team to implement and operate the test facility and any supporting auxiliary facilities.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement and programme teams for design, procurement and planning of the test facility.
• Identify, establish and manage candidate locations, and engage in commercial discussions to acquire a suitable site.
• Identify and manage auxiliary facilities such as offices, workshops and stores.
• Run licencing and planning permission processes with relevant authorities.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

UK planning knowledge

Regulatory understanding

Education

Degree in engineering or physics

Job description

About Rocket Factory Augsburg 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

RFA is looking for a dedicated lead for the establishment of a UK engine and stage testing facility to support the scale up of RFA ONE launches. You will lead from day one, establishing the required; site location, team, support facilities and project plan to deliver a high cadence engine and stage test site. This role will require you to relocate to the test site location, with possible travel to our launch site and other locations as required.

Your Tasks

• Lead the establishment and operation of an engine and stage test facility in the UK
• Establish the team to implement and operate the test facility and any supporting auxiliary facilities
• Work across existing engineering, procurement and programme teams to support the design, procurement and planning for the test facility
• Work to select candidate locations, carry out detailed trade off’s and engage in commercial discussions to acquire a suitable site
• Identify, establish and manage auxiliary facilities as required such as offices, workshops and stores
• Run the required licencing and planning permission process with relevant authorities

Your Qualifications

• Degree in engineering or physics
• Previous experience in testing, ideally rocket engine or launch vehicle stage testing, but some level of hardware testing experience is required
• Previous leadership or project management experience in fast-paced hardware rich development programmes
• Experience with UK planning processes
• Understanding of relevant UK regs such as PSSR, COHMA, CDM15 is a plus
• Previous experience working with UK MoD is a plus
• Understanding of UK and European defence and space landscape in a plus

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
• Paid Time Off: 24 days annual leave and speacial leave days
• Team Culture: Join regular company and team events

Insights

Ready to take the next step?

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.