Propulsion Architect / Propulsion Engineer

A Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer delivering, for more than 40 years, high-tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Thanks to our diversity of skills, talents and cultures, our customers (governments, institutions, space agencies, telecommunications operators), therefore have Space to Connect, Secure & Defend, Observe & Protect, Explore, Travel & Navigate.

We are seeking a Propulsion System Engineer to support the specification, design, development and validation of propulsion architectures for complex spacecraft applications.

The successful candidate will be integrated within a multidisciplinary System Engineering team and will regularly interface with Customers, Space Agencies and industrial partners. The role requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, a proactive approach to problem solving, and the ability to work effectively within collaborative technical environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to spacecraft system design activities, with specific responsibility for propulsion-related aspects.
• Perform functional and performance analyses of complex space propulsion systems using dedicated modelling and simulation tools, including EcosimPro.
• Assess propulsion system requirements and define the appropriate hardware and software allocation.
• Design propulsion system architectures and define the associated interfaces with other spacecraft subsystems.
• Prepare technical and procurement specifications for propulsion subsystems and equipment.
• Support and monitor procurement activities throughout the subsystem development lifecycle.
• Coordinate propulsion system verification and validation activities at both subsystem and system levels.
• Support Quality Assurance activities, including the analysis and resolution of Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) arising during manufacturing, integration and testing phases.
• Interface with customers, suppliers and subcontractors to ensure technical alignment and successful project execution.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Engineering; Aerospace Engineering is preferred.
• Previous experience in spacecraft propulsion engineering is highly desirable.
• Experience with bipropellant propulsion systems will be considered a strong asset.
• Ability to manage multiple activities and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong willingness to learn and embrace new technical challenges.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proactive mindset and results-oriented approach.
• Good teamwork skills and ability to operate effectively in multidisciplinary environments.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
• Availability to work shifts when required by project needs.
• Ability to work effectively within budgetary and schedule constraints.
• Professional attitude, integrity, and respect for company procedures and organizational structure.
• A Ph.D. and/or a specialized Master's degree in Space Engineering will be considered an advantage during the selection process.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on challenging and innovative space programs.
• Exposure to international customers, agencies and industrial partners.
• Professional growth within a dynamic and highly skilled engineering environment.
• Participation in the development of cutting-edge spacecraft propulsion systems.

Type of contract: Permanent

Experience: 1-7 Years

CCNL Met/Ind – B2 Category

€ 35.884,96 - € 43.126,00

Performance Bonus (PDR): up to € 4.025

At Thales Alenia Space we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales Alenia Space employing around 8,900 employees in 10 countries with 17 sites in Europe and a plant in the US, our mobility policy enables employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth #SpaceForLife. Great journeys start here, apply now!