Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

Propulsion Engineer

Alexander Associates Technical Recruitment
Oxfordshire
1 day ago
Create job alert

Fluids & Propulsion Engineer

Location: Oxfordshire, UK

We are working with a client at the forefront of developing next-generation in-orbit refuelling technologies, and they are looking to hire a Fluids & Propulsion Engineer to join their growing UK team.

This organisation is building the systems, components, and infrastructure that will enable refuelling across major UK and European space missions. This is a hands-on role working with advanced propulsion and fluid systems, taking hardware from concept through development, testing, qualification, and flight.

The Role

You will play a key part in designing and delivering fluidic interfaces, propulsion architectures, and subsystem solutions for upcoming refuelling missions. The position offers a blend of conceptual design, analysis, supplier engagement, build, test, and systems engineering.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define propulsion and fluid system architectures for UK and European missions
  • Develop early-phase designs and analysis for fluid and propulsion systems
  • Engage with subsystem and component suppliers to ensure technical alignment
  • Maintain development schedules, system requirements, and design budgets
  • Support business development from an engineering standpoint when required
  • Lead technical reviews, design trades, and systems engineering processes
  • Plan and execute simulations and test campaigns
  • Lead hands-on build and testing of development models
  • Support flight AIT activities
  • Identify technical issues and drive effective resolutions
  • Provide mentorship to junior engineers

You will bring experience in:

  • Taking propulsion or fluid system components from concept through prototyping, detailed design, and AIT
  • Collaborating with space systems engineering teams
  • Developing verification plans and running qualification campaigns
  • Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Propulsion and fluid systems design
  • Fluid components development
  • Fluidic system analysis
  • Propulsion system MAIT
  • Space systems engineering
  • Defining customer needs and converting them into engineering requirements
  • Communicating clearly with technical and non-technical audiences

Education Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree with four years of relevant experience, or Master's/PhD with three years of relevant experience

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Propulsion Engineer (Senior/Lead)

Propulsion Engineer

Systems Engineers x2 (Propulsion)

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Chief Propulsion Engineer – Hybrid Submarine Systems Leader

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Neurodiversity in UK Space Careers: Turning Different Thinking into a Superpower

The UK space sector has quietly become one of the most exciting places to build a career. From small satellites & launch services to Earth observation, navigation, in-orbit servicing & space data startups, the industry needs people who can solve hard problems in smart ways. Those people are not all “typical” engineers or scientists – and that’s a strength, not a weakness. If you live with ADHD, autism or dyslexia, you may have been told your brain is “too distracted”, “too literal” or “too disorganised” for precision work in the space sector. In reality, many of the traits that made school or previous jobs difficult can be major assets in space engineering, mission operations & space data roles. This guide is written for neurodivergent job seekers exploring UK space careers. We’ll look at: What neurodiversity means in a space industry context How ADHD, autism & dyslexia strengths map to common space roles Practical workplace adjustments you can request under UK law How to talk about neurodivergence in applications & interviews By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of where you might thrive in the UK space sector – & how to turn “different thinking” into a genuine superpower.

Space Sector Hiring Trends 2026: What to Watch Out For (For Job Seekers & Recruiters)

The UK space sector is no longer a niche curiosity. It is now a strategic industry worth billions, employing tens of thousands of people across nearly 2,000 organisations – and it has been growing faster than the wider UK economy for years. At the same time, employers report serious skills shortages, especially in software, data and systems engineering, with recruitment and retention now cited as key barriers to growth. For job seekers, this is encouraging – but it does not mean every space application is an easy win. For recruiters, competing for talent with tech, defence, energy and finance is only getting harder. This article, written for www.ukspacejobs.co.uk , explores the space sector hiring trends to watch in 2026, aimed at both: Job seekers searching for terms like “space jobs in the UK”, “satellite jobs UK”, or “space engineer roles”; and Recruiters and hiring managers interested in “space sector hiring trends” and “space recruitment UK”.

Space Industry Recruitment Trends 2025 (UK): What Job Seekers Need To Know About Today’s Hiring Process

Summary: UK space‑sector hiring has shifted from pedigree‑first screening to capability‑driven evaluation across the full stack—spacecraft systems, payload/RF, flight software, GNC/ADCS, propulsion, structures/thermal, AIT (assembly–integration–test), mission/ground operations, reliability/radiation, and compliance (ECSS, export control). Employers want proof you can build, test, operate and scale space systems safely and economically. This guide explains what’s changed, what to expect in interviews & how to prepare—especially for satellite/spacecraft engineers, payload & RF/MM‑wave, flight & ground software, GNC/ADCS, power/thermal, AIT/test, mission ops, data/EO, and space product/TPM roles. Who this is for: Systems engineers, payload/RF engineers, flight software & FDIR, GNC/ADCS, power/thermal/structures, propulsion, AIT/test, reliability/radiation, QA/compliance, ground segment/cloud, mission operations, EO/data processing, and product/programme managers targeting roles in the UK space ecosystem.