Propulsion Test & Design 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 although air breathing engine and solid rocket motor testing campaigns would also be relevant. 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 Faxe. 
 

Orbex

Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime vehicle being prepared to launch from our home spaceport, Sutherland Spaceport. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €85m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, our 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 in space.

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 Forres, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, gaining a unique insight into what it takes 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

This role is based in Copenhagen at Orbex’s Danish propulsion engineering and manufacturing site.

You will be spending time both at the factory and our nearby rocket engine testing site, with occasional travel to our main factory, test and launch sites in Scotland.

Copenhagen is one of Europe's most modern and aesthetically interesting cities. It is regarded as being one of the most livable cities in the world, with a strong reputation for being clean, green and sustainable.

With a huge, active waterfront and a lively social scene, Copenhagen offers a wide range of social activities and leisure opportunities, all with a uniquely Scandinavian flair. Activities include cycling and sailing, and the centre of the city is famed for it's cultural highlights.

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

For the right candidate, we offer an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• An equity stake in the company so you will really benefit from your hard work as the company grows and is successful. 
• An enhanced vacation policy
• Our roles need to be on-site in Copenhagen due to the nature of the position, export controls and security, but we are happy to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide relocation assistance as required which includes a relocation allowance and 1 month of temporary accommodation in the local area.