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- Tasks: Design cutting-edge thruster components and ensure seamless integration for spacecraft propulsion.
- Company: Join Magdrive, a pioneer in next-gen spacecraft technology at Harwell Innovation Campus.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, private health insurance, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Be part of revolutionary projects that redefine space travel and industry standards.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with 3-5 years of relevant experience.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Magdrive
Magdrive is developing the next generation of spacecraft propulsion. Our cutting‑edge thruster technology promises to deliver unmatched thrust and efficiency, enabling accessibility to new orbit(s) and entirely new industries such as satellite servicing, orbital assembly, and interplanetary transport. We are also starting to develop recycling & refuelling approaches for future spacecraft propulsion. We offer a supportive and flexible work environment, with the ability to adjust work hours, hybrid working, competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and regular company socials. Magdrive is based at the Harwell Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, UK, with occasional remote working possible.
What you’ll be doing:
- Design thruster structural components and support mechanical integration from concept through flight hardware.
- Ensure coherent, clash‑free integration of mechanical and electrical hardware, including structures, components, and PCBs.
- Support the transition of designs from R&D prototypes to flight release, ensuring compliance with environmental and mechanical requirements.
- Support mechanical aspects of environmental and functional test campaigns, including test configurations and fixtures.
- Incorporate MAIT feedback and NCRs to resolve recurring assembly, test, and integration issues at design source.
- Support definition and verification of mechanical interfaces to the spacecraft, including mounting, alignment, and load paths.
What are we looking for?
- Degree (BEng/MEng/MSc) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar discipline.
- 3-5 years of experience developing space or high-performance mechanical hardware.
- Experience supporting environmental test campaigns.
- Proficiency in professional 3D CAD (e.g. SolidWorks) and structured engineering workflows.
- Experience with electric propulsion, plasma systems, or high-voltage hardware.
- Familiarity with ECSS, NASA, or equivalent aerospace standards.
- Experience applying and improving mechanical standards within a growing engineering organisation.
- Experience with configuration control and change management processes.
- Exposure to ISO9001 or AS9100 environments.
- Experience with structural and thermal analysis methods (hand calculations and/or FEA).
- Experience contributing to a flight hardware subsystem within a multidisciplinary team.
What we offer:
- Salary: £50k to £60k per annum (DOE)
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + birthdays, and long‑service awards (up to 30 days)
- Private medical insurance
- Flexible working hours
- Remote working where possible
- Financial support for home office setup
Unit 4, Bep0 Building, Thomson Avenue, Harwell Campus, United Kingdom, OX11 0GD.
Propulsion Engineer (Mechanical) employer: Magdrive Ltd
Contact Detail:
Magdrive Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Propulsion Engineer (Mechanical)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the aerospace and mechanical engineering fields on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Magdrive and its projects. Understand their thruster technology and how your skills can contribute to their mission. We want to see your passion for spacecraft propulsion shine through when you talk about your experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your technical skills! Bring along a portfolio of your previous work, especially any projects related to high-performance mechanical hardware or environmental testing. We love seeing tangible evidence of your expertise and creativity!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our innovative team at Magdrive.
We think you need these skills to ace Propulsion Engineer (Mechanical)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Propulsion Engineer role. Highlight your experience in mechanical engineering and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those related to spacecraft propulsion or high-performance hardware.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about propulsion technology and how your skills align with our mission at Magdrive. Be specific about your experience with CAD software and environmental test campaigns.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: We love collaboration! Mention any experiences where you’ve worked in multidisciplinary teams, especially in aerospace settings. This will show us that you can integrate well into our supportive work environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Magdrive.
How to prepare for a job interview at Magdrive Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering principles, especially those related to propulsion systems. Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in thruster technology and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with Magdrive's innovative projects.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience with high-performance mechanical hardware and environmental test campaigns. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Get Familiar with Standards
Since familiarity with ECSS, NASA, or equivalent aerospace standards is crucial, make sure you can talk about how you've applied these standards in your previous work. This will show that you understand the importance of compliance in aerospace engineering.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Magdrive's projects, team dynamics, and future goals. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company culture and values align with what you're looking for.