Darwin Space are working with a European launch vehicle company who are looking for a Senior Fluid Engineer to take ownership of the design, development and integration of fluid systems across their launch vehicles, ground support equipment and test facilities.
This is a hands-on engineering position, offering responsibility across the full development lifecycle, from initial system architecture and design through to analysis, manufacturing, integration and testing. You’ll play an important role in developing the fluid systems required for the launch vehicle and its associated ground infrastructure, ensuring they meet the necessary performance, safety and reliability requirements.
Working closely with the wider engineering and technical teams, you’ll be involved in the development of new systems, solving complex engineering challenges and analysing test results to continuously improve system performance.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Taking technical ownership of critical fluid systems and associated hardware across the launch vehicle, ground support equipment and test facilities
- Designing and developing fluid systems, including system architecture, functional requirements and fluid selection
- Selecting and specifying appropriate fluidic components, including valves, regulators, tanks, pipes and associated hardware
- Carrying out fluidic modelling, simulations and engineering calculations to validate system designs and performance
- Performing fluid and structural sizing, routing and design, considering operational requirements, safety, cost and schedule constraints
- Managing the full engineering lifecycle, from initial concept and detailed design through to manufacturing, procurement, integration and testing
- Supporting the fabrication, assembly and integration of fluid systems and associated mechanical hardware
- Planning and supporting test activities across engine test benches, ground facilities and launch vehicle systems
- Analysing test results to understand system behaviour under real operating conditions and identify areas for improvement
- Troubleshooting technical issues and implementing design changes to improve system reliability, efficiency and performance
- Working closely with technicians, engineers and programme teams to ensure successful delivery of fluid system hardware
- Ensuring appropriate technical documentation, engineering standards and safety requirements are maintained throughout development
What we’re looking for
You’ll ideally have 5+ years of engineering experience within fluid systems, aerospace or another technically demanding industry, with a strong background in the design and development of fluidic and mechanical systems.
We’re looking for someone with solid hands-on engineering experience who can take ownership of complex hardware and contribute across the full development lifecycle. You should be comfortable moving between design, analysis, manufacturing, integration and testing, with the ability to turn engineering requirements into practical, reliable systems.
You’ll also need:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, ideally Mechanical, Aerospace or Fluid Systems
- Strong knowledge of fluid mechanics, including compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics and structural mechanics
- Practical experience designing and developing fluid systems and associated mechanical components
- Experience with fluidic components such as valves, regulators, tanks, piping and pressure systems
- Experience with CAD design and modelling, ideally using Siemens NX or a comparable package
- Hands-on experience with hardware fabrication, assembly, integration and testing
- Experience taking engineering designs through the full development lifecycle
- The ability to carry out engineering calculations, system sizing and technical analysis
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Excellent verbal and written communication 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 aerospace, launch vehicle or relevant high-performance fluid systems experience is essential.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Fluid Engineer looking to take ownership of critical hardware and work across the complete development lifecycle of a launch vehicle, from initial design through to testing and integration.
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Alfie Walters