Chief Design Engineer; m​/f​/d

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design and development of rocket systems and subsystems, ensuring structural, thermal, and propulsion requirements are met across all mission phases
• Define and own the technical architecture of the vehicle, making critical design decisions and trade-offs between performance, mass, cost, and schedule
• Drive design reviews (PDR, CDR, FRR) and ensure all engineering outputs meet safety, reliability, and regulatory standards
• Collaborate cross-functionally with propulsion, avionics, structures, and manufacturing teams to integrate subsystems into a coherent vehicle design
• Establish and maintain design standards, engineering processes, and documentation practices across the programme
• Mentor and develop a team of engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of innovation and rigour
• Interface with external stakeholders including launch authorities, government agencies, and third-party suppliers
• Identify and mitigate technical risks throughout the design lifecycle, maintaining a live risk register and driving resolution

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or a closely related discipline)
• Significant experience in aerospace or defence engineering, with a strong background in vehicle or systems design
• Proven track record of leading engineering teams through full design life cycles
• Deep understanding of rocket systems including structures, propulsion, aerodynamics, control and thermal management
• Excellent knowledge of engineering, tools analyses and processes
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles
• Excellent technical communication skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership and external partners

• Experience on an orbital launch vehicle programme
• Familiarity with space agency standards such as ECSS, NASA-STD, or MIL-SPEC
• Background in both liquid and hybrid propulsion system integration
• Experience working within a fast-paced, iterative development environment (commercial New Space preferred)
• Knowledge of lightweight materials and advanced manufacturing techniques such as composites and additive manufacturing
• Exposure to launch site operations and range safety requirements
• Prior experience as a chief or lead engineer on a programme that achieved success

In Germany:

• €50 monthly Spendit Card – because it’s the little extras that make a difference
• Christmas bonus on top
• Job bike leasing for a sporty and sustainable commute
• €60 gift for special occasions (birthday, wedding, birth of a child)
• Regular team events – from Christmas parties to adventure offsites
• 30 days of vacation to fully recharge
• Flexible working hours (flextime) to match your personal rhythm
• 1 day of remote work per week
• Free coffee, tea & water – fuel for big ideas
• Open, respectful feedback culture at eye level
• Personal development opportunities through trainings, coaching & language courses
• Buddy program with structured onboarding, including a welcome package
• A diverse and inspiring startup environment
  , where talented people from over 16 nations collaborate to build something extraordinary
• Hands-on involvement across end-to-end development processes in a fast-growing New Space startup

• Christmas bonus on top
• Regular team events – from Christmas parties to adventure offsites
• 30 days of vacation to fully recharge
• Flexible working hours (flextime) to match your personal rhythm
• 1 day of remote work per week
• Free coffee, tea & water – fuel for big ideas
• Open, respectful feedback culture at eye level
• Personal development opportunities through trainings, coaching & language courses
• Buddy program with structured onboarding, including a welcome package
• A diverse and inspiring startup environment
  , where talented…