Rocket Factory Augsburg

Low-cost microlauncher for small satellites

Senior Propulsion Development Engineer

PropulsionConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeAugsburg, GermanyNo salary listed

About the Job

Requirements

A degree in Aerospace Engineering, Engineering, or a related discipline is required.
At least five years of work experience in space propulsion systems is required.
Demonstrated proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, and pressurized components is required.
Some experience designing liquid rocket engines, turbomachinery, injectors, and thrust chambers is required.
Experience testing bipropellant liquid engines is required.
Experience interpreting P&IDs and a strong understanding of pressurized systems are required.
Excellent knowledge of physics, engineering materials, and manufacturing processes is required.
Experience with RPA and CoolProp is required.
Understanding engineering technical drawings is required.
Fluent spoken and written English is required; day-to-day activities are performed in English.

Responsibilities

Support the development of new propulsion designs based on real test data.
Collaborate daily with Test, Manufacturing, Analysis, and Production teams.
Investigate test anomalies and perform root-cause analysis to improve performance.
Ensure design documentation is correct and up to date.
Create design specifications for engine development, including pressure cascade and performance numbers.
Use testing, analysis, modelling, and simulation tools to estimate or calculate system performance.
Interpret simulation results and incorporate learnings into CAD for thermal, structural, flow, and other considerations.
Perform design, analysis, and development engineering tasks for various propulsion systems.
Own CAD of next-generation engine subsystems.
Create test plans for powerpack and engine testing and analyse test results.
Initiate and foster production of engines.
Create medium- to long-term development timelines for engine subsystems.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with Siemens NX, Python, and RocketIsp is a plus.
Hands-on workshop experience is beneficial.

About Rocket Factory Augsburg

At Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), we have one clear goal: to create low-cost, flexible, and reliable access to space. We specialize in building small launch vehicles designed to deploy satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond. Together with you, we aim to revolutionize space services and help improve life on Earth. Sounds interesting? Then join our journey and become part of the team driving the New Space movement in Europe.

About the Team

Our international and agile team is looking for support from a motivated person to own the design and development of engine subsystems and associated hardware ensuring correct integration with other subsystems. If you want to see your designs fly, work side-by-side with passionate engineers, and take full ownership of your hardware, send us an application today.

Your Tasks

Support the development of new propulsion designs based on real test data
Collaborate daily with Test, Manufacturing, analysis and Production teams
Investigate test anomalies and perform root cause analysis to improve performances
Ensure design documentation is correct and up to date
Create design specs for engine development (pressure cascade, performance numbers, etc.)
Understand the basics of turbomachinery, valve, thrust chamber and injector design
Use various testing, analysis, modelling and simulation tools to estimate or calculate system performance
Interpret simulation results and incorporate learnings into CAD (Thermal, Structural, Flow, etc.)
Perform design, analysis and development engineering tasks for various propulsion systems
Own CAD of next gen engines subsystems
Create test plans for powerpack and engine testing and analyse test results
Initiate and foster production of engines
Creation of medium to long term timelines for development of the engine’s subsystems

Your Qualifications

Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Engineering or related discipline
5+ years work experience in space propulsion systems
Demonstrated proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, and pressurized components
Some experience in the design of liquid rocket engines, turbomachinery, injectors and thrust chambers
Experienced in testing of bipropellant liquid engines
Experienced in interpreting P&IDs and a strong understanding of pressurized systems
Excellent knowledge of physics, engineering materials and manufacturing processes
Experienced in RPA, and Coolprop
Experience with Siemens NX, Python, and Rocketisp is a plus
Understanding of engineering technical drawings
Hands-on workshop experience is beneficial
Fluent English oral and written (all day-to-day activities are performed in English)
Self-independent, a structured way of working and committed to working in a fast-paced environment

We Offer

	Atmosphere: Experience life in an international & dynamic New Space start-up
	Flexibility: Fit your working schedule to your needs with flexible working hours
	Home Office: Full-time employees benefit from one day per week home office
	Health: Sweat, stretch or squat it out with EGYM Wellpass
	Paid Time Off: 30 days annual leave and speacial leave days
	Team Culture: Join regular company and team events
	Parking: Free parking for your car or bike

Insights

Ready to take the next step?

Join RFA and help build one of Europe’s most efficient launch systems. Work alongside 300+ colleagues from over 40 countries and take ownership from day one.

If you’re looking to grow, take responsibility, and contribute to making space more accessible, we’d love to hear from you.

🚀 Apply now! We look forward to receiving your application in English.

About the Company

Rocket Factory Augsburg

Low-cost microlauncher for small satellites

Rocket Factory Augsburg provides flexible, low-cost launch services for small satellites, anchored by its RFA ONE launcher. The vehicle is a 30-meter three-stage rocket: nine Helix engines on the first stage, a vacuum-optimized Helix on the second stage, and a Redshift orbital transfer vehicle on the third stage to deploy satellites into different orbits. It cuts costs by applying automotive-style serial production and off-the-shelf components, aiming for roughly $3,000–$4,000 per kilogram. Its goal is to democratize access to space by enabling affordable, multi-orbit deployment for small-satellite missions.

Company size: 201-500
Company stage: Grant
Total funding: $256.8M
Headquarters: Augsburg, Germany
Founded: 2018

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