Team Lead – Test Facilities (UK) (m/f/d)

HyImpulse Technologies GmbH; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Christmas bonus

Regular team events

30 days vacation

Flexible working hours

1 day of remote work per week

Free coffee, tea & water

Open feedback culture

Job summary

HyImpulse is seeking an experienced engineering leader to head the UK test facilities team in Scotland. You will plan, build, operate and develop test facilities for rocket engines and space propulsion systems, leading a fast-growing New Space startup in a pivotal growth phase.

You will oversee propellant development, reactor tests and collaboration with propulsion engineers to align formulations with motor performance. Occasional travel to Europe is expected as part of the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Strong understanding of process plants, testing facilities, fluids, controls and data acquisition.
• Knowledge of cryogenic, hydraulic and pneumatic systems and effects of cryogenic fluids and compressed gases.
• Experience with modelling/simulation software, CAD/PLM and system engineering.
• Experience with project planning and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to hybrid rocket motor development, esp. propellant development.
• Develop and optimize paraffin-based and advanced polymer propellants.

Skills

Propulsion engineering understanding

Team leadership

Project planning

Data acquisition systems understanding

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CAD

PLM

Requirements engineering

MS Office

Data acquisition systems

Job description

Job description

HyImpulse is now looking for an experienced engineering leader to head our UK test facilities team in Scotland. You will take overall responsibility for planning, building, operating and developing new and existing test facilities for rocket engines and space propulsion systems. This is an exciting time to join the company: following the recent launch of our sounding rocket, we are entering a significant growth phase alongside the development of our orbital launcher.
We are seeking exceptional candidates who are passionate about rockets, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and are ready to lead a team through challenging projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of hybrid rocket motors, with a particular focus on propellant development
• Develop and optimize propellants based on paraffin and advanced polymer formulations
• Collaborate with propulsion engineers to align chemical formulations and curing processes with target motor performance
• Conduct mechanical, thermal, and chemical testing, and validate formulations through regular rocket engine hot-fire tests
• Support fuel grain production and casting processes to ensure high-quality manufacturing standards

Basic Qualification

• Bachelor´s or Master´s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field
• Very good understanding of process plants, testing facilities, fluid components, control and data acquisition systems
• Very good understanding of cryogenic, hydraulic and pneumatic systems and effects related to cryogenic fluids and compressed gases
• Knowledge of different sensor types and data acquisition systems. Understanding of process plant control and electrical systems
• Experience in using software for modelling and simulation, CAD, PLM, requirements and system engineering, project planning, MS Office

Desired Experience

• Experience in fluid system design
• Experience in design of process plants
• Experience in operations of process plants
• Practical experience in rocket propulsion testing and handling of cryogenic fluids is a plus

Benefits

• Christmas bonus on top
• Regular team events – from Christmas parties to adventure offsites
• 30 days of vacation to fully recharge
• Flexible working hours (flextime) to match your personal rhythm
• 1 day of remote work per week
• Free coffee, tea & water – fuel for big ideas
• Open, respectful feedback culture at eye level
• Personal development opportunities through trainings, coaching & language courses
• Buddy program with structured onboarding, including a welcome package
• A diverse and inspiring startup environment, where talented people from over 16 nations collaborate to build something extraordinary
• hands-on involvement across end-to-end development processes in a fast-growing New Space startup

Location

This role will be based in Glasgow, Scotland. This position requires availability to travel frequently to our facilities in Neuenstadt am Kocher, Germany or our test and launch facilities in Europe, including at short notice and for extended periods, in line with company needs.
Glasgow has a strong aerospace and advanced manufacturing community with world class small satellite manufacturers, HyImpulse’s potential customers, located there. More satellites are built in Glasgow than any other place outside California, a dynamic and thriving environment in which to join a New Space company.
Ranked number 2 UK city for work-life balance (Startups Cities Index 2022), low housing and living costs, high internet speeds - a city internationally recognised for its openness, resilience, trust and friendliness, Glasgow is one of the top destinations for science, engineering innovation and design in Europe.
From top events, attractions and cultural festivals to the city's iconic music venues, a diverse and award‑winning food and drink scene and the largest retail destination in the UK outside of London, there is plenty to keep everyone entertained. Over 90 parks and gardens, city cycling routes, the River Clyde, and the Clyde and Forth Canal, offers urban tranquillity as well as the welcome buzz of a city.
Beyond Glasgow’s thriving urban social scene, it is the perfect base to explore Scotland. Stunning scenery in the form of rolling hills, glens and lochs are reachable within half an hour’s drive of the city centre and outdoor sports such as hillwalking, climbing, sailing, hiking and mountain biking are popular weekend pursuits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

HyImpulse is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age or disability.