Propulsion Valve Development Engineer (m/f/d) Verified today

About Rocket Factory Augsburg

Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) builds small launch vehicles designed to deploy satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond. We create low-cost, flexible, and reliable access to space and are driving the New Space movement in Europe.

The Role

As a Propulsion Valve Development Engineer, you will play a key role in developing critical fluid control hardware for our rocket engines. This is a hands-on engineering position where you will take ownership of valve and fluidic system designs from initial concept through testing, qualification, and flight. You will work alongside experienced propulsion, manufacturing, test, and systems engineers, seeing your hardware progress from CAD models to hot-fire campaigns and ultimately to launch.

Your Responsibilities

• Design and develop valves and fluid control systems for rocket propulsion applications from concept through production and integration.
• Own the mechanical design of next-generation engine valves, creating robust and manufacturable solutions using CAD tools.
• Perform engineering analyses and interpret simulation results, including thermal, structural, and fluid flow assessments, to optimize performance and reliability.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate component and subsystem tests, transforming test data into actionable design improvements.
• Create and maintain accurate engineering documentation, including drawings, specifications, test procedures, and technical reports.
• Collaborate closely with Test, Manufacturing, Analysis, and Production teams to support hardware development, qualification, and flight readiness.
• Investigate and resolve design issues and non-conformances, driving continuous improvement across propulsion fluid systems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, including compressible and incompressible flow behavior.
• Solid knowledge of thermodynamics, mechanics, and pressurized fluid systems.
• Experience designing mechanical components, valves, or fluid control hardware in demanding engineering environments.
• Ability to plan, execute, and analyze hardware development and qualification tests.
• Proficiency in interpreting Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and understanding complex fluid systems.
• Strong knowledge of engineering materials, manufacturing methods, and design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Ability to create and interpret technical drawings, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Structured problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced development environment.
• Professional proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

Desirable Experience

• Hands-on workshop, assembly, or prototype development experience.
• Experience designing propulsion, aerospace, automotive, energy, or other high-performance fluid systems.
• Familiarity with Siemens NX or comparable CAD platforms.
• Experience with engineering simulations and numerical analysis tools.
• Knowledge of Python for data processing, automation, or engineering calculations.
• Strong Excel skills for technical analysis and reporting.
• Experience working in test-intensive product development environments.

What We Offer

• International and dynamic New Space start-up atmosphere.
• Flexible working hours to fit your schedule.
• One day per week home office for full-time employees.
• EGYM Wellpass health and fitness benefits.
• 30 days annual leave and special leave days.
• Regular company and team events.
• Free parking for cars and bikes.