Propulsion Systems Engineer

Aim high, go beyond! At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…

Working in our Chief Technology Office (CTO) The CTO division is where Open Cosmos technology comes to life. Covering engineering, product development, and technical innovation, the team designs, builds, and operates the satellites, systems, and platforms that make our missions possible. It’s a highly collaborative environment where ideas become real hardware, software, and data solutions that deliver impact from space.

As we continue to scale our satellite missions and capabilities, we’re looking for an additional Propulsion Systems Engineer to play a key role in designing, integrating, and delivering propulsion systems that power our spacecraft from launch through to in‑orbit operations. This is a hands‑on engineering role at the heart of our missions—working closely with systems, AOCS, thermal, mechanical and mission teams to ensure our propulsion solutions are safe, efficient, and aligned with mission performance goals such as orbit raising, station keeping, collision avoidance, and de‑orbiting.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Contributing to the design and development of spacecraft propulsion subsystems across multiple Open Cosmos missions
• Supporting propulsion architecture definition, including thruster selection, tank sizing, feed systems, and control strategies
• Performing propulsion performance analysis (delta‑V budgets, propellant mass, thrust modelling, manoeuvre simulations with AOCS)
• Leading and contributing to trade‑off studies across propulsion technologies, configurations, and suppliers
• Defining, managing, and tracing propulsion requirements at system and subsystem level
• Developing verification and validation plans, including qualification and acceptance testing strategies
• Supporting environmental, functional, and performance testing of propulsion hardware during AIT campaigns
• Contributing to FMECA and FDIR strategies, identifying and mitigating propulsion‑related risks
• Supporting the integration of propulsion hardware into spacecraft platforms (mechanical, thermal, electrical, software interfaces)
• Acting as the technical focal point for propulsion suppliers, ensuring compliance and delivery to requirements
• Supporting anomaly investigations during AIT and in‑orbit operations
• Contributing to mission concept studies, bids, design reviews, and propulsion CONOPS development

What You’ll Bring

• Strong knowledge of spacecraft propulsion systems, including electric and/or chemical architectures
• Ability to work confidently with propulsion schematics and system diagrammatics
• Solid understanding of orbital mechanics, manoeuvre planning, and delta‑V analysis
• Proficiency in propulsion performance modelling, simulation tools, and analytical methods
• Understanding of propulsion system components, including thrusters, tanks, feed systems, valves, and control electronics
• Knowledge of spacecraft subsystem interfaces, particularly AOCS, power, thermal, structures, and software
• Familiarity with ECSS standards, system budgets, margin management, and verification philosophy
• Working knowledge of FMECA, reliability engineering, and FDIR principles
• Understanding of AIT, MAIT, and environmental testing approaches in a spacecraft development context
• Aware of propellant handling principles, safety constraints, contamination control, and cleanroom practices
• Aware of the global propulsion supplier landscape and available product ranges

For this role you can be based in any of our locations. To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location. Please submit your CV in English.

Why Open Cosmos?

• Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe.
• A mission‑driven company making space accessible to help solve real‑world challenges.
• A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.