Propulsion Test Engineer
Copenhagen, Hvidovre, Denmark
Full Time
Experienced
Orbex are looking for experienced Propulsion Test Engineer to take ownership and support the development of the Orbex Engine systems, including the continuous improvement and maintenance of our test sites.
As a Test Engineer, you will design and commission new test benches, oversee and conduct engine test campaigns, create and execute test procedures, and collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure the success of our propulsion test programs.
Your contribution will greatly influence the advancements of our engines and test infrastructure.
To be successful you will need to have a general mechanical flair, a willingness to be hands-on when working at our outdoor test facility in Faxe.
Orbex
Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime vehicle being prepared to launch from our home spaceport, Sutherland Spaceport. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €85m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, our launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.
We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting-edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime’s carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris in space.
Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark. Based in Copenhagen, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, using your skills to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market.
Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.
The Position:
The position includes the following tasks and responsibilities:
Essential Information:
This role will require significant time working outdoors, regardless of weather.
Qualifications and Experience
Location
This role is based in Copenhagen at Orbex’s Danish propulsion engineering and manufacturing site.
You will be spending time both at the factory and our nearby rocket engine testing site, with occasional travel to our main factory, test and launch sites in Scotland.
Copenhagen is one of Europe's most modern and aesthetically interesting cities. It is regarded as being one of the most livable cities in the world, with a strong reputation for being clean, green and sustainable.
With a huge, active waterfront and a lively social scene, Copenhagen offers a wide range of social activities and leisure opportunities, all with a uniquely Scandinavian flair. Activities include cycling and sailing, and the centre of the city is famed for it's cultural highlights.
Personality
Orbex is a high-paced, startup culture where you will be encouraged to take assume responsibility for tasks and see them through.
You will be focused, patient and have strong attention to detail.
It is imperative that you take initiative, communicate openly and can collaborate with technical and non-technical team members. You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse and multicultural environment.
Security
You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention.
Benefits
For the right candidate, we offer an excellent benefits package that includes:
As a Test Engineer, you will design and commission new test benches, oversee and conduct engine test campaigns, create and execute test procedures, and collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure the success of our propulsion test programs.
Your contribution will greatly influence the advancements of our engines and test infrastructure.
To be successful you will need to have a general mechanical flair, a willingness to be hands-on when working at our outdoor test facility in Faxe.
Orbex
Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime vehicle being prepared to launch from our home spaceport, Sutherland Spaceport. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €85m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, our launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.
We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting-edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime’s carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris in space.
Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark. Based in Copenhagen, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, using your skills to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market.
Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.
The Position:
The position includes the following tasks and responsibilities:
- Plan and execute propulsion system tests, turbomachinery and/or cryogenic main engine testing at component level and as integrated systems.
- Own the development and continuous improvement of test facilities and equipment: Oversee the design, validation, operation, and maintenance of new and existing test benches.
- Provide production support, assembly, commissioning, operation, and continuous improvement of new test benches and upgrades to existing test benches.
- Development and refinement of test and qualification plans, procedures, risk assessments, and operating manuals, ensuring that they align with industry best practices and meet safety-critical standards.
- Lead and coordinate tasks and teams to ensure that design and test goals are met
- Preparing devices for test in collaboration with other engineers and technicians.
- Analyse test data, conduct Test Readiness Reviews and Post-Test Reviews, and make data-driven recommendations for product and process improvements.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (e.g., propulsion, assembly, avionics) to ensure seamless integration and testing of systems.
Essential Information:
This role will require significant time working outdoors, regardless of weather.
Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or a related field
- 3+ years of industry experience in propulsion testing or related fields, with background in supporting test campaigns for hybrid or liquid rocket engines.
- Proven experience in running test campaigns and developing testing infrastructure, including cryogenic and high-pressure fluid systems.
- Deep understanding of propulsion systems and related technologies, with specific expertise in cryogenics, turbomachinery, and advanced pipeline design.
- Mechanical engineering skills, with proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks or similar) and the ability to read and create Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
- Analytical skills with experience using simulation tools (e.g., Ecosimpro, Amesim) for performance prediction and troubleshooting.
- Demonstrated experience with safety-critical environments.
- Experience with air-breathing engines or solid rocket motors will also be considered.
- Hands-on experience with hydraulics or other fluid power systems.
Location
This role is based in Copenhagen at Orbex’s Danish propulsion engineering and manufacturing site.
You will be spending time both at the factory and our nearby rocket engine testing site, with occasional travel to our main factory, test and launch sites in Scotland.
Copenhagen is one of Europe's most modern and aesthetically interesting cities. It is regarded as being one of the most livable cities in the world, with a strong reputation for being clean, green and sustainable.
With a huge, active waterfront and a lively social scene, Copenhagen offers a wide range of social activities and leisure opportunities, all with a uniquely Scandinavian flair. Activities include cycling and sailing, and the centre of the city is famed for it's cultural highlights.
Personality
Orbex is a high-paced, startup culture where you will be encouraged to take assume responsibility for tasks and see them through.
You will be focused, patient and have strong attention to detail.
It is imperative that you take initiative, communicate openly and can collaborate with technical and non-technical team members. You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse and multicultural environment.
Security
You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention.
Benefits
For the right candidate, we offer an excellent benefits package that includes:
- Competitive salary
- Annual 1% special holiday allowance
- Share Options in the company so you will really benefit from your hard work as the company grows and is successful
- Group Life Insurance, Lump Sum.
- Enhanced vacation leave including the Danish Holiday act (25 days) + an additional 5 days, public holidays and up to 3 additional enhanced public holidays.
- Up to 8 days additional leave for child related sickness (up to aged 8).
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave
- Orbex are able to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide comprehensive relocation assistance, this includes 1 month of accommodation in the local area paid for by the company, a relocation allowance and full support through the visa application process.
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