Propulsion Engineer

Responsible For

Spacecraft Propulsion System Engineering

SSTL are looking for a dynamic and motivated Space Propulsion Engineer to contribute significantly to the delivery of current missions and work on exciting up and coming developments in gas, chemical and electric systems. The applicant should be happy working in a fast moving environment, learn quickly and be capable of both hands‑on (hardware build and test) and computer-based (design, analysis, simulation) engineering tasks.

SSTL Propulsion Engineers are responsible for working as part of a team of engineers in the design, manufacture, testing, launch site operations and in‑orbit commissioning of the propulsion systems. This holistic oversight is a rare opportunity for an Engineer who relishes variety and the combination of practical contact with hardware alongside analytical design work.

To work within the propulsion group and contribute to major developments and delivery of gas, chemical or electric propulsion systems.

• Project scoping and delivery for propulsion systems
• Interface with customers for the propulsion system
• Initial and detailed system analysis and design
• Documenting and implementing design changes using Engineering Change Control
• Support equipment specification and supplier selection
• Write detailed assembly and test procedures
• Assembly and testing of the propulsion systems
• Hands‑on construction of complete system assemblies from component parts
• Performing component / system acceptance testing, defining pressure / electrical test setups
• Post-test processing, analysis, and interpretation of results
• Supporting spacecraft level testing, launch campaigns and In‑orbit commissioning of Propulsion systems

Good Degree level in Mechanical / Aerospace Engineering

• Positive & Enthusiastic
• Flexible and able to work on a variety of projects/tasks
• Organised and decisive, high attention to detail
• Several years industry experience (ideally Space)
• Good all‑round knowledge of propulsion systems, with an understanding of the functionality of valves, regulators, actuators etc.
• Writing detailed reports and presenting to customers
• Good analytical skills with some experience of mathematical modelling / simulation software
• Hands‑on engineering for hardware manufacture (build and test)

• Computer Aided Design (e.g. Solidworks) would be beneficial
• Other useful software such as Ansys, Labview, Matlab etc, would be beneficial