Chemical Propulsion Systems engineer

Propulsion Engineer – Chemical Propulsion Systems

Location: Oxford, United Kingdom

Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture of Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), is a globally recognised space manufacturer. We are building a propulsion centre of excellence at our Harwell site and are looking for an experienced Chemical Propulsion Engineer with a minimum of five years of relevant experience.

Reporting to the Propulsion Systems Engineering Manager, the Systems Engineer will support various projects and teams within the existing TAS satellite product line, leading the propulsion subsystem activities, interfacing with customers, PMO and other subsystem experts. The role will be based at the TAS UK Harwell office.

• 
  
• Serve as a senior figure supporting projects and team members within the existing team.
  
• Lead propulsion subsystem and equipment activities (EP and/or CP) during Phase A/B/C/D/E for recurring TAS satellite product line programmes.
  
• Act as the primary technical point of contact for the propulsion subsystem, in both MAIT and Architecture, including procured propulsion equipment on a project, interfacing with customer technical teams, PMO, AIT team, procurement and subsystem experts (Mech/Thermal, AOCS).
  
• Interpret mission/customer specific and generic system‑level requirements and establish the baseline technical requirements document (TRD) for the propulsion subsystem.
  
• Provide technical support for system‑level propulsion trade‑offs to optimise the satellite and mission design.
  
• Support the preparation of subsystem design justification documentation for major design reviews throughout the project life cycle.
  
• Present subsystem design justification at major design reviews throughout the project life cycle in cooperation with the Program Management Office and other subsystems.
  
• Review and consolidate technical documentation for the system through different project life‑cycle milestones & reviews (EQSR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, QR, etc).
  
• Establish integration and test plans and requirements for the subsystem; develop new analysis tools in specialised fluidic software (e.g. EcosimPro) and in Excel, MATLAB, and Python.
  
• Perform performance analyses in support of non‑conformance review board.
  
• Prepare and update subsystem analysis reports through the different project life‑cycle milestones & reviews (PDR, CDR, QR, etc).
  
• Demonstrate systems engineering knowledge – across the “Systems V” – to achieve critical project outcomes within time, cost and quality constraints.
  
• Understand requirement management – traceability, IVVQ, etc.
  
• Provide regular reporting of technical progress to the project team and TAS management.
  
• Provide technical input to future propulsion developments and contribute to continuous improvement of products, systems and processes.
  
• Follow up equipment procurement from a technical perspective, in conjunction with the procurement department.
  
• Participate in and oversee propulsion module manufacture and AIT activities.
  
• Manage anomalies or non‑conformances at the equipment or subsystem level, supporting product engineers and technical experts and presenting technical status/progress in NCRs with the customer.
  

• 
  
• Clearly demonstrable technical competence on subsystems/equipment.
  
• Excellent technical communication skills.
  
• Team player capable of interfacing at all levels within a project and representing the company externally (suppliers and customers).
  
• Pro‑active and capable of working on own initiative with a high level of integrity.
  
• Proactively seeks to understand the wider TAS organisation beyond own role/technical skill domain.
  
• Good commercial awareness of specialist equipment.
  
• Ability to complete tasks autonomously to cost, schedule and quality.
  

• 
  
• Degree‑level qualification in a discipline associated with Space Engineering (e.g., engineering) or related subjects (e.g., physics).
  
• Significant direct experience in space engineering and the industry, particularly with propulsion.
  
• Desirable: Experience in the design and development of mono or bi‑propellent thrusters using hydrazine and experience working at a system/subsystem level with said engines.
  
• Desirable: Understanding of construction, running and operating principles of PPUs and similar supporting electrical suppliers.
  

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and, where required, a full security clearance.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.

Great journeys start here – apply now.