Combustion Devices Development Engineer

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run. We are seeking a Storm Deputy Chief Engineer to lead the design, integration, and test of the engine system and turbomachinery for our next-gen high-thrust cryogenic rocket engine (LOX/LCH4). He/she will report to the Storm Chief Engineer and act as their technical deputy, owning engine-level system design and the turbomachinery domain (turbopumps, rotordynamics, bearings and seals, and their integration with the preburner/gas generator) end to end, from architecture through hot-fire testing. This role is responsible for the technical soundness of the engine system and turbomachinery subsystems, translating the Chief Engineer's overall architecture and vision into detailed design, integration, and validated hardware — while standing in for the Chief Engineer on day-to-day technical arbitration when needed. The Deputy Chief Engineer owns the technical integrity, performance, and safety of the engine system and turbomachinery throughout their lifecycle — from architecture definition to prototype testing — and works closely with the Storm Chief Engineer and High Thrust Engine Lead to keep engineering excellence and delivery efficiency in balance. REPORTING LINE Reports to: Storm Chief Engineer KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Engine System Design: Own the detailed design and integration of the engine system, including cycle definition, propellant supply, ignition, and interfaces between turbomachinery, combustion devices, and structures. Ensure design coherence with the overall Storm architecture set by the Chief Engineer. * Turbomachinery Ownership: Serve as the primary technical owner of turbopump design — rotordynamics, bearings, seals, hydraulic and thermal design, and manufacturability — and of its integration with the preburner/gas generator. Lead technical reviews and arbitrate turbomachinery-specific trade-offs. * Test & Validation: Lead engine system and turbomachinery test campaigns, from component-level rig testing through engine hot-fire. Own test planning, instrumentation strategy, data review, and anomaly resolution. * Mentorship and Technical Oversight: Provide guidance and mentorship to the engine systems and turbomachinery teams, fostering a culture of technical rigor, innovation, and accountability. * Risk Management & Safety: Identify, assess, and manage technical risks within the engine system and turbomachinery domains. Support critical design and readiness reviews led by the Chief Engineer, and prepare non-conformance/design deviation packages for approval. * Collaboration: Deputize for the Storm Chief Engineer on technical matters as required, including partner and supplier interactions on turbomachinery and engine systems. Coordinate closely with program management and other engineering domains to balance performance, cost, and schedule. * Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement in engine system and turbomachinery design tools, test methods, and team capability. Ensure lessons learned from testing are captured and fed back into design. WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU: * A minimum of a master's degree in propulsion engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field. * Over 10 years of experience in liquid rocket engine development, with significant depth in engine system design and/or turbomachinery. * Deep understanding of cryogenic propulsion systems, including turbopump design, rotordynamics, and hot-gas systems. * Proven track record of taking turbomachinery or engine systems from concept through detailed design and test. * Hands-on experience in engine or turbopump hot-fire/rig testing and anomaly resolution. * Ability to lead multi-disciplinary technical teams and arbitrate design trades within the engine system domain. * Experience managing subsystem-level requirements, interfaces, and verification activities. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound technical decisions under uncertainty, schedule, and cost pressure. * Ability to work with geographically distributed teams and coordinate with external partners or suppliers. * Fluent in English, with excellent written and verbal communication. * Positive, adaptable, and collaborative mindset. Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, including Liechtenstein, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Why you should join us! What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:   * We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind  * We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them   * We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?   We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.    The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.   All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible. If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.

Mission Brief  As a Design Engineer your main task is to support the combustion team in the design of components and assemblies of rocket engine combustion devices. These include the thrust chamber assembly consisting of the injector head, chamber, nozzle and nozzle extension, as well as the gas generator and the ignition system.  Your Role in Our Space Mission  * Perform CAD design and fluid-dynamics analysis of combustion devices components. * Participate in the entire design cycle of combustion devices from layout to component design of injector elements, manifolds, cooling channels, chamber, nozzle, gas generator and ignition system to the maturation of these components and the overall system through testing. * Be in contact with the production department to ensure that the designs comply with the chosen manufacturing methods and to track the manufacturing status of critical components. * Develop and mature tools specific to the design and development of combustion components. * Perform CFD calculations for reacting and non-reacting combustion devices parts. * Ensure component and system performance through development testing, design iterations and post-test data reviews. * Optimize thrust chamber assembly, gas generator and ignition system parts with regards to manufacturability and weight reduction.  Qualification Checklist * M.Sc. degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or similar * 2+ years of professional experience in propulsion systems design, analysis or testing * Experience with rocket engine or gas turbine component development including combustion chambers, nozzles, injectors, ignition systems * Hands on experience in testing preparation and operation as well as post-test data reviews * Experience with cryogenic fluids and oxygen compatibility * Exceptional comprehension of engineering fundamentals: fluid dynamics, combustion and heat transfer * Proficiency in 3D CAD programs (SolidWorks & SiemensNX preferred)  * Proficiency in Python, Matlab or similar programming language  * Passion for rocket propulsion and space * Ability to effectively collaborate on multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams * Highly organized and proactive with high attention to detail * Driven and eager to learn * Willingness to travel in support of launching and testing hardware Bonus Skills * Experience with numerical tools such as ANSYS Mechanical and/or ANSYS Fluent/STAR-CCM+ or similar for reacting CFD * Working knowledge of engine fluid components such as valves and pressure regulators * Experience in manufacturing  Benefits  * Employee Participation Program: Share in our success through our virtual company share program * 30 days of vacation: Enjoy the days off to relax and recharge * Company pension plan: Secure your future with our company pension plan, featuring a 20% employer contribution after the probation period * Subsidised lunch: Stay energised with delicious, subsidised lunches every day * Public transport ticket: Commute with ease using a fully financed Deutschlandticket * Sport Clubs membership: Stay fit with our sponsored sports club memberships (EGYM Wellpass) * Individual learning allowance: Grow your skills with an individual learning budget granted after the probation period * Childcare allowance: Receive a childcare allowance for your non-school-age children * And Much More! Discover additional perks and benefits when you join our team         Who we are We are Isar Aerospace and we are at the forefront of New Space building a modern space business to enable faster, better and cheaper access to space. Our mission is to help democratise space and use it for good in order to improve life on Earth now and for the future generations. We are a fast-growing company aiming to provide sustainable and environmentally friendly launch solutions for small and medium-sized satellites and constellations into Low Earth Orbit. The company is privately funded by world-leading technology investors with strong commitment and support and our team is made of driven and talented people with a real passion for space innovation. We're making rockets in a way that hasn't been done before disrupting a traditional industry. If you are up for the challenge, want to work on cutting-edge projects and be part of a team changing the world for better, come, join us and launch your career! Want to find out more about us? Visit www.isaraerospace.com   Data Protection We process your personal data for the purpose of managing the recruitment process and assessing your application. For detailed information on how your data is processed, including your rights, please refer to our Privacy Policy. Disclaimer Isar Aerospace SE is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fairness and inclusivity. We do not prioritize any specific religion, gender, nationality, or background. Due to security clearance requirements, affiliations with countries listed under § 13 para. 1 no. 17 SÜG may affect the application process. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. We use Metaview to record interview audio so our team can review it later and stay focused during the conversation. We will record interviews only if you opt in. Please note that we will request your consent separately during the interview process. Participation is completely voluntary and will not affect your application in any way. For more information on how we process your personal data, please see our Privacy Policy.