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Isar Aerospace is seeking a Propulsion Design Engineer to join the Turbopump Team and support the development of rocket propulsion systems for small and medium-sized satellite launch vehicles. This role focuses on engine cycle calculations and performance modeling to support the company's mission to democratize access to space with sustainable, environmentally friendly launch solutions.
You will be responsible for developing and maintaining modular engine models of existing and conceptual engines to provide load point predictions and performance studies. Key responsibilities include coordinating with product owners to characterize engine subcomponents, maintaining a component performance database, and providing load point predictions during development and test campaigns. You will define acceptance criteria for flight engines and qualification tests based on engine performance requirements.
Additionally, you will develop tools for engine load point predictions to accelerate acceptance testing, serve as the primary point of contact for providing engine performance metrics to the Guidance Navigation and Control team, and conduct uncertainty quantification analyses. You will maintain databases of characteristic parameters (Isp, mass flow) and lookup tables for engine transients, as well as secondary engine models relevant to rocket kinematics across all mission phases.
You will ensure consistent data acquisition quality of engine performance parameters throughout development testing, stage testing, and flight operations. This includes defining sensor requirements for in-flight performance verification and elaborating uncertainty propagation across the entire measurement chain in collaboration with test rig teams.
The role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge propulsion technology within a fast-growing, venture-backed company at the forefront of the New Space industry. You will collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams and may travel to support engine test campaigns and launch operations.
**Requirements:**
- M.Sc. degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or similar discipline
- Exceptional knowledge in thermodynamics and rocket motor system architecture, including subsystem interactions
- Knowledge of measurement technology and stochastic analysis (uncertainty quantification and propagation)
- Fundamental understanding of combustion, thrust chambers, valves, and turbopump systems
- Proven experience developing and validating empirical, semi-empirical, or analytical models, as well as setting up cycle models of complex fluid systems and machinery
- Effective collaborator in multi-disciplinary, cross-functional teams; organized, detail-oriented, and proactive with ability to adapt to shifting priorities
- Driven and eager to learn, passionate about new space technology, fluent in English
**Bonus Skills:**
- Professional work experience in rocket propulsion development
- Working experience with Simulink or cycle model development in rocket/aircraft engines or similar tools
- Willingness to travel to support engine test campaigns and launch campaigns abroad
