Darwin Space are working with a European launch vehicle company who are looking for a Liquid Propulsion Technical Expert to support the development, testing and qualification of their liquid propulsion systems.
This is a highly technical, hands-on position for someone with significant expertise in liquid rocket propulsion. You’ll be working directly on the design, development and validation of propulsion systems, providing specialist technical knowledge across the full engineering lifecycle. This isn’t a traditional engineering position focused on coordination or management. We’re looking for someone who can get involved at a detailed technical level, solve complex engineering challenges and help drive the development of the propulsion system forward.
Working alongside the wider engineering team, you’ll play a key role in making technical decisions, resolving design challenges and ensuring the propulsion system meets the performance, safety and reliability requirements of the launch vehicle.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Providing specialist technical expertise across the design and development of liquid rocket propulsion systems
- Leading and contributing to propulsion system design, analysis and engineering activities
- Developing and reviewing propulsion architectures, fluid systems, feed systems and associated components
- Carrying out detailed technical assessments, calculations and trade-off studies to support engineering decisions
- Supporting the development and optimisation of propulsion components, including valves, tanks, pressurisation systems, injectors and combustion chambers
- Defining and supporting testing activities, including component, subsystem and full-system testing
- Investigating technical issues, troubleshooting failures and identifying practical engineering solutions
- Supporting verification, validation and qualification activities throughout the propulsion development lifecycle
- Working closely with Systems Engineering, MAIT and other engineering disciplines to ensure successful integration
- Providing technical guidance and mentoring to other engineers within the propulsion team
- Supporting supplier technical assessments and reviewing external designs, components and engineering proposals
- Ensuring propulsion designs meet performance, safety, reliability and programme requirements
What we’re looking for
You’ll ideally have 7-8+ years of engineering experience specifically within liquid rocket propulsion, with a strong background in Space, Aerospace or a related high-performance engineering environment.
We’re looking for a genuine technical specialist rather than a general mechanical or systems engineer. You’ll need substantial hands-on experience with liquid propulsion systems and a proven understanding of their design, development, testing and qualification. You’ll be comfortable working through complex technical challenges yourself, taking ownership of engineering problems and contributing directly to the development of propulsion hardware.
You’ll also need:
- A degree in Engineering, ideally specialising in Aerospace, Propulsion, Mechanical or Fluid Systems
- Strong experience with liquid rocket propulsion systems and their associated subsystems
- Detailed knowledge of propulsion architecture, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and fluid systems
- Practical experience with propulsion development, testing and validation
- Experience investigating technical failures and resolving complex engineering challenges
- An understanding of propulsion system integration and qualification processes
- The ability to work independently as a technical authority while collaborating closely with the wider engineering team
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with C1-level English
A note on location
This is an on-site position in France. Candidates already based locally are welcome, and relocation support is available for those looking to move for the role.
For candidates relocating from outside the region, previous liquid space propulsion experience is essential.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced liquid propulsion specialist who wants to remain close to the engineering, working directly on the development and testing of launch vehicle propulsion systems rather than moving into a purely managerial position.
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Alfie Walters