UK - Graduate Fluid Systems Engineer

Orbit Fab; Harwell; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Orbit Fab, based at Harwell Campus in the UK, invites applications for a Graduate Fluid Systems Engineer. You will learn the development of fluid systems and propulsion hardware, contributing to in-orbit refuelling technologies and system architecture from concept to testing.

A strong candidate has a foundation in engineering principles and a practical, hands-on approach, with curiosity and willingness to take ownership of defined tasks while growing into broader responsibilities.

Qualifications

• A degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong understanding of fundamentals in fluid systems, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer or propulsion.
• Demonstrated interest in space systems, fluid systems or propulsion through academic or project work.
• Experience applying engineering principles to practical problems through university projects or internships.
• Ability to analyse technical problems, develop logical solutions, and clearly communicate assumptions and conclusions.
• Strong interest in practical engineering and willingness to work directly with hardware in development/testing environments.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Proactive, curious approach to learning and ability to seek guidance when required and progressively work independently.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively, and deliver on timescales.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of fluid system architectures for in-orbit refuelling missions.
• Perform engineering analysis and modelling to support fluid system and component design.
• Support development of fluid system and component designs from concept through prototyping and testing.
• Develop engineering calculations, models, and technical documentation under guidance of experienced engineers.
• Support the definition and maintenance of system and subsystem requirements and verification plans.
• Support engineering trade studies and technical decision-making through analysis of design options.
• Plan, prepare, execute, and analyse component and subsystem test campaigns.
• Take an active, hands-on role in build, integration, and testing of development hardware.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Hands-on engineering

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Written and verbal communication

Proactive and curious learning

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace or chemical engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

EcosimPro

Thermal Desktop

Modelica

Job description

About the role

As a Graduate Fluid Systems Engineer, you will contribute to the development of the technologies and fluid systems that enable in-orbit refuelling. This includes fluidic components, subsystems, and the wider fluid and propulsion systems supporting Orbit Fab’s refuelling missions.

You will work alongside experienced engineers across the development lifecycle, gaining exposure to early-stage system architecture and analysis through hardware design, build, integration, testing, and delivery. The roleprovidesan opportunity to develop both system-level engineering skills and practical experience working directly with fluid and propulsion hardware.

A strong candidate will have a solid foundation in engineering principles, a genuine interest in fluid systems and space technology, and a practical approach to solving engineering problems. You will be encouraged to take ownership of defined technical tasks while developing the skills and experience needed to take on increasing responsibility.

You will work closely with engineers across the company, as well as customers and suppliers, to develop and test robust technical solutions to challenging engineering problems.

We have described the skills, qualifications, and experience that would be valuable to the team, but you do not need to meet every criterion. Aptitude for solving complex technical problems, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and work hands-on with hardware are more important than specific experience, software tools, or qualifications beyond the fundamentals expected of a graduate engineer.

What you’ll do

• Support the development of fluid system architectures for in-orbit refuelling missions.

• Perform engineering analysis and modelling to support fluid system andcomponentdesign.

• Support the development of fluid system andcomponentdesigns from concept through prototyping and testing.

• Develop engineering calculations, models, and technical documentation under the guidance of experienced engineers.

• Support the definition and maintenance of system and subsystem requirements and verification plans.

• Support engineering trade studies and technical decision-making through analysis and evaluation of design options.

• Support the planning, preparation, execution, and analysis ofcomponentand subsystem test campaigns.

• Take an active, hands-on role in the build, integration, and testing of development hardware.

Qualifications & Attributes

• A degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

• A good understanding of fundamental engineering principles, particularly in areas relevant to fluid systems, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, or propulsion.

• Demonstrated interest in space systems, fluid systems, propulsion, or related engineering fields through academic, project, internship, or practical experience.

• Experience applying engineering principles to practical problems through university projects, personal projects, internships, placements, orpreviousengineering experience.

• Ability to analyse technical problems, develop logical solutions, and clearly communicate the assumptions and conclusions of your work.

• Strong interest in practical engineering and a willingness to work directly with hardware in development and test environments.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team.

• Good written and verbal communication skills.

• A proactive and curious approach to learning, with the ability to seek guidance whenrequiredand progressively work independently.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively, and deliver work to agreed timescales.

Nice to Haves

• Practical experience designing, building, or testing engineering hardware.

• Experience with fluid systems, propulsion systems, pressure systems, valves, pumps, compressors, tanks, or other fluid components.

• Experience with spacecraft or aerospace engineering projects.

• Experience with engineering analysis or simulation tools such as Python, MATLAB/Simulink,EcosimPro, Thermal Desktop,Dymola,Modelica, or equivalent.

• Experience with laboratory or experimental testing, including instrumentation and data analysis.

• Understanding of spacecraft propulsion systems and/or high-pressure fluid systems.

• Experience working in a multidisciplinary hardware development environment.

• Industrial placement, internship, university project, or other practical engineering experience relevant to fluid systems or spacecraft.

• Familiarity with systems engineering, requirements, verification, or configuration management.

Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalized people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Orbit Fab, we value respectful debate and people who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions. We strongly encourage you to apply if you feel you would succeed in the role above.

_ Salary _

Competitive, depending on experience

_ Location and Benefits _

The UK Orbit Fab office is based at Harwell Campus, the UK’s preeminent gateway to the space industry, and only a short drive from Oxford with convenient access to London.

We offer a range of benefits that can be discussed during the interview process.

_ Eligibility _

Candidate musthaveright to work in the UK.

Orbit Fab is an equal opportunity employer, committed to being a diverse and inclusive place in which our talent can thrive. As such, Orbit Fab does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organisation, retaliation, parental status, military service, other non-merit factor or any other protected characteristic or protected category recognised by the law of jurisdictions in which we operate. All hiring and recruitment decisions made at Orbit Fab are subject to Orbit Fab’s compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.