Storable Propulsion Units Manager

The Exploration Company; Roma; In loco; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A leading aerospace firm in Italy is seeking a Storable Propulsion Units Manager to lead the development of propulsion units for their innovative space vehicle. The role requires over 7 years of experience in propulsion systems and strong project management skills. The ideal candidate will oversee a team, manage supplier relationships, and drive technical projects to completion while ensuring design and delivery goals are met. This is a full-time position offering relocation assistance.

Servizi

Relocation assistance

Visa sponsorship

Competenze

• Over 7 years of experience in storable propulsion systems engineering.
• Experience leading technical projects or small engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of aerospace materials and testing practices.

Mansioni

• Lead the design and development of propulsion units from concept to flight readiness.
• Oversee procurement strategy including supplier selection and management.
• Build and lead a team of propulsion engineers.

Conoscenze

Storable propulsion systems engineering

Supplier management

Project management

Aerospace materials knowledge

Fluency in English

Formazione

Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related discipline

Descrizione del lavoro

Overview

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

We are seeking an experienced Storable Propulsion Units Manager to lead the development and strategic procurement of propulsion units. This role blends deep technical expertise with leadership and supplier management. You will be responsible for the design, qualification, and delivery of critical propulsion units while managing a small, agile team. You’ll be instrumental in ensuring that Nyx Earth meets its performance, schedule, and cost objectives. You will report to the Lead Propulsion.

Responsibilities

• Drive the make/buy strategy and decision for the propulsion units, elaborate and implement the roadmaps for the propulsion units developed in-house.
• Lead in-house design and development of propulsion units (e.g. tanks, valves) from concept to flight readiness, fostering agile development through design-build-test iteration cycles, while meeting technical, cost and schedule requirements aligned with project goals.
• Oversee procurement strategy for propulsion units, including suppliers' identification, selection, and performance management. Manage suppliers' relationships, support contract negotiations, and monitor compliance with technical and quality standards, cost and schedule.
• Build and lead a team of propulsion engineers for the propulsion units we will develop in-house, or we will procure. Promote and develop the skills and capabilities of your team members through mentorship, professional development opportunities and performance reviews.
• Collaborate with the Nyx Earth propulsion system team and with other teams and departments such as avionics, GNC, vehicle design, MAIT and systems engineering to ensure seamless integration and testing of the propulsion units within the propulsion system and with other spacecraft systems.
• Develop project schedules, resource plans, and budgets while maintaining consistency with timelines and cost constraints.
• Manage risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies to address technical, cost and schedule challenges.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements, cost reductions, and performance enhancements. Stay up to date with advancements in propulsion technologies and drive innovation within the team.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or a related engineering discipline.
• Over 7 years of experience in storable propulsion systems engineering, propulsion units development and procurement in aerospace or spaceflight.
• Proven hands-on experience developing propulsion, such as tanks, thrusters, and valves.
• Demonstrated ability to manage suppliers, contracts, and delivery timelines.
• Experience leading technical projects or small engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of aerospace materials, manufacturing, and testing practices.
• Experience in New Space companies or fast-paced development environments (Desirable).
• Familiarity with propulsion test operations and data analysis (Desirable).
• Knowledge of ECSS or NASA equivalent aerospace standards (Desirable).
• Fluency in English.

Why you should join us

• We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind
• We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them
• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.

The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing

Industries

• Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing