Rocket Engine Propulsion Test Engineer

Expert Employment
Lower Hartwell, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
Today
£38,000 – £45,000 pa

Salary

£38,000 – £45,000 pa

Job Type
Permanent
Work Pattern
Full-time
Work Location
On-site
Seniority
Senior
Education
Masters
Posted
22 May 2026 (Today)

The Test Engineer will join a Systems Engineering team critical in space thruster engine development. You will work on a complex, multifaceted rocket engine system comprised of numerous newly developed and integrated components. This role has wide ranging technical input including structural, thermal, rocket propulsion, space electronics, software, testing and systems analysis.

In essence as a Senior Systems Engineer, you will coordinate and bring together the diverse sub components and sub assembles into a complete working space engine design.

My client supplies chemical propulsion rocket engines and thrusters serve to key spacecraft manufacturers for commercial, defence and scientific applications.

Requirements

Space systems experience ideally of large European space projects, system primes or ESA.

Technical leadership of large, multidisciplinary Electrical Harnessing Design, routing and schematic Mechanical and fluidic system Engineering projects.

System Analysis knowledge to apply to, fluidic systems, surge pressure and pressure drop. Performance, Structural, Thermal, Reliability, Radiation Assessment, Hazard or Safety Analysis.

Complex product development experience of thermal design and equipment selection using Failure Modes Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA).

Intelligent, logical approach to problem solving.

Degree, Masters or higher qualification in Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.

You will own the overall engine system architecture, analysis and documentation including FMECAs, radiation, reliability, mechanical, thermal, fluidic, electromagnetic, Design, Development and Verification Plan, Design Justification Document, Software Requirements Specification, Engine Test Plan etc. Working closely with the Project Manager to help plan and organise resources.

Responsibilities

Support propulsion engine build, assembly and test development including route card build sequences and system assembly, integration, Manufacturing and Inspection Flow Charts.

Review, interpret, manage and own the spacecraft requirements then disseminate down to relevant engine subsystem or component teams.

Coordinate of top level Design, Verification and Compliance Matrix.

Internally digest key subsystem and component review documentation ensuring work is completed to required standards and all aspects of the engine system are correctly aligned.

Lead customer interactions and engine level reviews also manage supplier technical queries in conjunction with the appropriate resource

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