Lead Propulsion Design Engineer
Orbex is looking for a Lead Propulsion Design Engineer with experience of Liquid or Hybrid propulsion systems to work on the propulsion systems, fluid control systems and major subsystems for our launch vehicle as well as associated ground test benches and GSE.
The Lead Propulsion Design Engineer supports and develops the team, leads technical delivery and also provides operational support to development and qualification test campaigns ranging from test plan/procedure definition, to test execution and data analysis. Additionally, you will work in close, continuous collaboration with other members of the senior leadership team to develop strategy and ensure delivery.
Orbex
Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime vehicle being prepared to launch from our home spaceport, Space Hub Sutherland. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €86m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, 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 on orbit.
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.
The Position
Core duties and responsibilities of the Lead Propulsion Design Engineer role include:
• Being a Technical Authority for the design and development of propulsion systems and major subsystems, with the goal of delivering complete systems/subsystems in accordance with the development programme plan and specific workstreams.
• Using high-level requirements to establish propulsion systems designs from conceptual level through to detailed designs. This includes establishing and modelling rocket engine cycle designs.
• Producing propulsion systems analytical/numerical models to be integrated with launch vehicle FES.
• Conduct part and component level make vs. buy trades.
• Working with in-house and external production teams to design, produce and integrate flight grade-propulsion hardware.
• Working with in-house teams to facilitate propulsion development test campaigns and qualification testing.
• Producing and maintaining system/subsystem design documentation.
• Compiling design review data packages and deliverables production for grant programmes.
Qualifications and Experience
• Minimum of a Masters degree in aerospace engineering or a related field
• Bi-prop rocket engine propulsion experience, high and low pressure cycle systems preferable
• Prior experience with Liquid Oxygen fluid systems that you can leverage, hereunder cryogenic propellants, materials compatibility and sealing technology
• Turbo-machinery operations knowledge and cryogenic experience preferable
• Designs for cryogenic fluids, including liquid oxygen.
• Fluid system design software experience, preferably EcosimPro
• CAD / CFD experience, Solidworks / Ansys preferred
• Bi-prop/turbo-machinery ground testing and qualification including ground support equipment and test facility design
• Strong proven knowledge of manufacturing techniques commonly applied in rocket propulsion technology, specific emphasis on additive manufacturing desired.
You will probably have these core attributes:
• Extensive years of rocket engine, fluid systems and/or turbo-machinery hardware development experience
• Fluency in use of CAD / CFD techniques to model and analyse fluid systems.
• Numerical analysis tool (eg. Matlab/Simulink) proficiency.
• Proven aptitude for core engineering disciplines such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, structural analysis etc.
• Team lead and/or project management experience
• Strong communication skills in both written and spoken English
Personality
You will have:
• A self-starter mentality with good leadership qualities
• A flexible and dedicated mindset
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.
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 the opportunity to earn an equity stake in the company plus relocation assistance where appropriate. You must be a European citizen, from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. This is a compelling and rare career opportunity.
- Extremely Competitive salary
- A significant equity stake in the company so you will really benefit from your hard work as the company grows and is successful.
- Our roles need to be on-site in Copenhagen due to the nature of the position, export controls and security, but we are happy to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide relocation assistance as required.