Propulsion Engineer

SURREY IT LIMITED; Guildford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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Job summary

SSTL is seeking a Space Propulsion Engineer to contribute to gas, chemical and electric propulsion developments. You’ll work across design, test and in-orbit commissioning with a strong hands-on element and close customer interface.

You will apply mechanical/ aerospace expertise, perform system analysis, and contribute to propulsion program delivery with emphasis on reliability and detailed documentation.

Qualifications

• Good Degree level in Mechanical / Aerospace Engineering.
• Several years industry experience (ideally Space).
• Good all-round knowledge of propulsion systems, with an understanding of valves, regulators, actuators etc.
• Writing detailed reports and presenting to customers.
• Hands-on engineering for hardware manufacture (build and test).

Responsibilities

• Project scoping and delivery for propulsion systems.
• Interface with customers for the propulsion system.
• Initial and detailed system analysis and design.
• Documenting and implementing design changes using Engineering Change Control.
• Support equipment specification and supplier selection.
• Write detailed assembly and test procedures.
• Assembly and testing of the propulsion systems.
• Hands-on construction of complete system assemblies from component parts.
• Performing component / system acceptance testing, defining pressure / electrical test setups.
• Post-test processing, analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Supporting spacecraft level testing, launch campaigns and In-orbit commissioning of Propulsion systems.

Skills

Positive & Enthusiastic

Flexible

Organised

Attention to detail

Space industry experience

Propulsion knowledge

Report writing

Analytical skills

Hands-on hardware

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical / Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD

ANSYS

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Job description

Responsible For

Spacecraft Propulsion System Engineering

Overview

SSTL are looking for a dynamic and motivated Space Propulsion Engineer to contribute significantly to the delivery of current missions and work on exciting up and coming developments in gas, chemical and electric systems. The applicant should be happy working in a fast moving environment, learn quickly and be capable of both hands‑on (hardware build and test) and computer-based (design, analysis, simulation) engineering tasks.

SSTL Propulsion Engineers are responsible for working as part of a team of engineers in the design, manufacture, testing, launch site operations and in‑orbit commissioning of the propulsion systems. This holistic oversight is a rare opportunity for an Engineer who relishes variety and the combination of practical contact with hardware alongside analytical design work.

Key Purpose of Job

To work within the propulsion group and contribute to major developments and delivery of gas, chemical or electric propulsion systems.

Key Tasks

• Project scoping and delivery for propulsion systems
• Interface with customers for the propulsion system
• Initial and detailed system analysis and design
• Documenting and implementing design changes using Engineering Change Control
• Support equipment specification and supplier selection
• Write detailed assembly and test procedures
• Assembly and testing of the propulsion systems
• Hands‑on construction of complete system assemblies from component parts
• Performing component / system acceptance testing, defining pressure / electrical test setups
• Post-test processing, analysis, and interpretation of results
• Supporting spacecraft level testing, launch campaigns and In‑orbit commissioning of Propulsion systems

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

Good Degree level in Mechanical / Aerospace Engineering

Experience /

Knowledge & Skills

• Positive & Enthusiastic
• Flexible and able to work on a variety of projects/tasks
• Organised and decisive, high attention to detail
• Several years industry experience (ideally Space)
• Good all‑round knowledge of propulsion systems, with an understanding of the functionality of valves, regulators, actuators etc.
• Writing detailed reports and presenting to customers
• Good analytical skills with some experience of mathematical modelling / simulation software
• Hands‑on engineering for hardware manufacture (build and test)

Software Skills

• Computer Aided Design (e.g. Solidworks) would be beneficial
• Other useful software such as Ansys, Labview, Matlab etc, would be beneficial