Propulsion Test Engineer

Propulsion Test Engineer to support the development of the Orbex engine systems as well as upgrading and maintaining the test sites. You will design and commission new test benches, take part in engine testing campaigns and generally have a multi-faceted role mixing hands-on and theoretical work. 
 
It would be desirable for you to have an understanding of propulsion systems and related technologies, experience in supporting test campaigns for hybrid or liquid rocket engines in particular would be valuable. Experience and knowledge of advanced pipelines and cryogenics would also be desirable. 
 
The role will require a general mechanical flair, a willingness to be hands-on as well as significant time working at our outdoor test facility in RAF Kinloss 
 
Orbex  

Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime vehicle being prepared to launch from our home spaceport, Space Hub Sutherland. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €122m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.  

We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime’s carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris on orbit.  

Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark. Based in Copenhagen, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, using your skills to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market.  

Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.  

The Position:  

The position includes the following tasks and responsibilities:  

• Planning and executing propulsion system tests, turbomachinery and/or cryogenic main engine testing at component level and as integrated systems.   

• Test facilities/equipment design, development, validation, operation, and maintenance.  

• Providing production support, assembly, commissioning, operation, and continuous improvement of new test benches and upgrades to existing test benches.   

• Developing and refining test and qualification plans, procedures, risk assessments, and operating manuals, as well as executing them.  

• Preparing devices for test in collaboration with other engineers and technicians.  

• Analyzing test data and preparing/conducting Test Readiness Reviews and Post-Test Reviews.   

Essential Information:  

This role will require significant time working outdoors, regardless of weather.  

Desirable skills:  

• Hydraulics or cryogenics experience  

• Prior experience with liquid oxygen fluid systems or cryogenic propellants, materials compatibility, and sealing technology.  

• Prior experience with advanced pipeline design, assembly, and commissioning.  

• Experience with reading and creating P&IDs.   

• Experience with supporting propulsion test campaigns such as hot-fire test campaigns is highly desirable.  

• Experience working in a safety-critical environment.  

• Highly experienced with SolidWorks or a similar CAD tool.  

• Experience with simulation tools (e.g., Ecosimpro, Amesim) is desirable.  

• Strong communication skills in both written and spoken English.  

• Full proficiency in MS Office tools is expected.  

Location – Forres (Kinloss)  

Our roles need to be on-site in Scotland due to the nature of the position, export controls and security. This role is based in Forres at Orbex’s headquarters but will spend significant time at our test site RAF Kinloss and will require working outdoors.  

Orbex Forres is located at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. It's close to the spectacular coastline, wild beaches, and amazing wildlife of the Moray Firth, as well as being a short distance from the world-famous Loch Ness, and Aviemore ski resort.  

If you enjoy adventurous outdoor pursuits in extraordinary natural environments, the coast and highlands around Forres offer an ideal location.  

Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, camping, sailing, surfing, motorbiking, and skiing are all within easy reach of our main UK factory, and many members of our team participate in adventure sports in the vast, beautiful settings of Sutherland.  

If you enjoy drone flying, wildlife or landscape photography, some of the most spectacular vistas in the world are directly at your doorstep.  

Personality 

Orbex is a high-paced, startup culture where you will be encouraged to take assume responsibility for tasks and see them through. 

You will be focused, patient and have strong attention to detail. 

It is imperative that you take initiative, communicate openly and can collaborate with technical and non-technical team members. You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse and multicultural environment. 

Security 

You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. 

Benefits 

Benefits – UK   

• Salary of £45-60k depending on experience   

• Share Options in the company so you will really benefit from your hard work as the company grows and is successful 

• Orbex are able to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide comprehensive relocation assistance, this includes 1 month of accommodation in the local area paid for by the company, a relocation allowance and full support through the visa application process.  

• Independent supporting services including: mortgage advice and health and wellbeing apps 

• Group Life Insurance, x4 annual salary. 

• Employee Assistance Programme, including: mortgage advice, health and wellbeing apps. 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• NEST workplace pension 

• 34 days paid holiday including bank and public holidays