Senior Engineer - Rocket Propulsion

About the role

The Senior Propulsion Engineer drives the development, design, manufacturing and testing of rocket propulsion subsystems. The role sits at the intersection of technical leadership and project management: mentoring junior engineers, guiding system engineering decisions and delivering complex propulsion programmes from concept through qualification.

Key responsibilities

• Design, develop and test rocket propulsion systems, applying thermodynamic, fluid dynamic and structural principles across the full engineering cycle.
• Lead propulsion projects at system engineering level, managing technical interfaces, design reviews and verification activities so milestones are met on time and within budget.
• Define system requirements and maintain technical baseline documentation, keeping configuration control throughout the programme.
• Mentor and coach entry-level engineers, reviewing technical outputs and supporting knowledge transfer.
• Support additive manufacturing, laser welding, milling and heat treatment, resolving non-conformances with manufacturing teams.
• Advise on PLM software implementation to standardise processes and ensure data integrity.
• Prepare and review technical data packages such as drawings, specifications, test reports and interface control documents to customer and regulatory standards.
• Liaise between technical teams and project management, turning engineering challenges into clear stakeholder communications and flagging cross-discipline risks.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or an equivalent technical qualification.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in rocket propulsion development.
• Experience developing and producing solid rocket motor data packs.
• Experience developing solid propellant rocket motors for missile applications.

Required skills

• Planning and organising, problem solving, analytical thinking and broad knowledge of mechanical engineering related to propulsion.
• Thorough understanding of propulsion product development, production and systems engineering processes.
• Technical communication, written and oral, with technical and non-technical people, suppliers and customers.