At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead propulsion subsystem projects and collaborate with technical teams to optimise satellite designs.
- Company: Join Thales Alenia Space, a leader in aerospace innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a flexible work environment.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process with support for neuro-diverse applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in space engineering and work on cutting-edge propulsion systems.
- Qualifications: Degree in Space Engineering or related field; significant experience in propulsion systems required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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Due to the growth of our propulsion centre of excellence based at our Harwell site in the UK, we are looking for an experienced chemical propulsion engineer. Drawing on your significant space propulsion systems experience (minimum 5 years) in chemical propulsion this is an excellent time to be joining this team. The position will be based at the TAS UK Harwell office.
Primary Purpose of the Role
- To be a senior figure supporting various projects and team members in general within the existing team.
- Propulsion subsystem and propulsion equipment activities (EP and/or CP) during Phase A/B/C/D/E for recurring TAS satellite product line application programmes or developments.
- Be the primary technical point of contact responsible and lead for the propulsion subsystem, in both MAIT and Architecture, including procured propulsion equipment’s on a project, interfacing with the customer technical teams, PMO, AIT team, procurement and other subsystem experts, (such as Mech/Thermal, AOCS).
- Interpret mission/customer specific and generic system level requirements and establishing the baseline technical requirements document (TRD) for the propulsion subsystem.
- Provide technical support to system level propulsion trade‑offs for optimization of 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 in major design reviews throughout the project life cycle in cooperation with the Program Management Office and other subsystems.
- Review and consolidate the technical documentation for the system through the different project life cycle milestones & reviews (EQSR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, QR, etc).
- Establish integration and test plans and requirements for the subsystem development and improvement of new analysis tools in specialised fluidic software (e.g. EcosimPro), and also in Excel, MATLAB, and Python.
- Perform performance analyses in support of non‑conformance review board.
- Prepare/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 to time, cost and quality.
- 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/oversee the propulsion module manufacture and AIT activities.
- Manage any anomalies or non‑conformances occurring throughout the project life cycle at equipment or subsystem level with support from product engineers and technical experts and present technical status/progress in NCRs with the customer.
Expected Behaviours
- Clearly demonstrable technical competence on subsystems / equipment’s.
- Can communicate technically with confidence.
- Team player who can confidently interface at all levels within a project and represent the company externally (with suppliers and customers).
- Pro‑active and capable of working on own initiative with high level of integrity.
- Proactively seeks to understand the wider TAS organisation thinking beyond own role/technical skill domain.
- Has good commercial awareness of his or her specialist equipment.
- Ability to complete his or her tasks autonomously to cost, schedule and quality.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Degree level qualification in a discipline associated with Space Engineering (such as engineering) or related subjects (such as physics).
- Significant direct experience in space engineering and the industry, in particular with propulsion.
- Desirable: Experience in the design and development of mono or bi‑propellant 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.
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
Full‑time
Industries
Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing, Defense and Space Manufacturing, and Space Research and Technology
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Chemical Propulsion Systems engineer in Harwell employer: Thales
Thales Alenia Space is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Harwell office in Oxford, where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for career development both locally and internationally, alongside a culture that values inclusivity and flexibility. Join us to be part of a leading team in space propulsion systems, where your expertise will contribute to groundbreaking projects and advancements in the aerospace industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chemical Propulsion Systems engineer in Harwell
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
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We think you need these skills to ace Chemical Propulsion Systems engineer in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Thales, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Thales, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Thales.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Thales. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Thales love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
