Fluids & Propulsion Engineer

Black6; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in the UK is seeking a propulsion and fluid systems engineer to develop key technologies for in-orbit refueling. The candidate will define system architectures, collaborate with suppliers, and support technical decision-making processes. A strong background in propulsion components and collaboration with engineering teams is essential. This role offers opportunities for impactful work in a growing space economy, located close to Oxford.

Benefits

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Flexible benefits discussed during interview

Qualifications

• 4+ years of related engineering experience with BS or 3+ years with MS/Ph.D.
• Experience in taking fluid/propulsion components from specification to delivery.
• Deep knowledge of propulsion and fluid systems design.

Responsibilities

• Define propulsion and fluid system architectures.
• Interface with propulsion subsystem suppliers.
• Establish preliminary designs and conduct performance analysis.

Skills

Fluid/propulsion components development

Collaboration with space systems engineering teams

Excellent communication skills

Education

BS degree in related field

MS degree or Ph.D. in related field

Tools

Fluidic analysis tools (e.g., Ecosimpro, Thermal Desktop)

Job description

Orbit Fab's mission is to create the foundational infrastructure that will fuel a bustling in-space economy, capable of sustaining permanent jobs in space. Today, satellites cannot be refueled, which severely constrains their mobility and inhibits the development of economic activities in space.

Orbit Fab breaks the single-use paradigm, pioneering our Gas Stations in Space™ refueling infrastructure and RAFTI™ technology to deliver propellant in space, enabling lower-cost satellite construction, increased maneuverability, precise control, and extended lifespans. The possibilities are unprecedented, opening the doors to unimagined operational strategies and business models.

Since our establishment in 2018, we have already achieved the successful launch of three tankers to space. With offices in both the US and UK, we are working in close collaboration with partners and customers across the space industry. Orbit Fab is rapidly ramping up capabilities and requires exceptional talent to tackle important challenges. Our roles offer wide ranging opportunities to have a demonstrable impact and enable a bustling space economy.

About the role

As a propulsion and fluid systems engineer, you will support the development of the key enabling technologies for enabling in-orbit refuelling, including fluidic interface components as well as the wider fluid and propulsion systems that support Orbit Fabs refuelling missions in development. You will support early phase work as well as later phase development, integration, and testing through to acceptance and delivery.

A strong candidate will call upon a breadth of experience developing components and subsystems in space propulsion and related fields, pursuing a hardware-centric iterative approach to deliver on time and on budget.

We describe here the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities that we need to have as a team. You don't need all of them. Your aptitude for complex technical challenges and your practical experience designing/building/testing will trump specific qualification or tools.

What you'll do

• Define propulsion and fluid system architectures on major UK and European refuelling missions
• Interface with propulsion subsystem and component suppliers, ensuring alignment with overall solution
• Establish preliminary fluid and propulsion system designs and analysis
• Support BD activities from an engineering perspective as required
• Manage and maintain development schedules, systems requirements, and design budgets
• Guide systems engineering processes and facilitate technical trades across the system
• Support technical reviews and technical decision-making processes and development
• Plan, specify and follow up simulations and test campaigns to verify subsystem and components performance and requirements compliance.
• Lead hands‑on build and testing of development models of components and subsystems
• Support flight AIT activities as required
• Identify technical issues and proactively implement resolutions to mitigate schedule and cost impacts
• Identify suppliers and oversee component selection
• Provide technical mentorship to more junior team members

Qualifications

• Experience taking fluid/propulsion components or subsystems from specification and concept phase through key milestones in prototyping, detailed design, and AIT.
• Demonstrated collaboration with space systems engineering teams
• Experience with generation of verification plans and executing qualification campaigns
• Deep knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Propulsion and fluid systems design and development
• Fluid components design and development
• Propulsion system MAIT
• Experience defining customer needs and crafting engineering requirements, including a proven ability to successfully push back on unnecessary or mission affecting customer requirements.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• BS degree and four years of related engineering experience, or
• MS degree or Ph.D. in related field and three years of related engineering experience

Nice to Have

• Experience of cradle to grave (including flight operations) component and subsystem development.
• Experience of fluidic analysis tools (Eg Ecosimpro, Thermal Desktop)
• Understanding of the spacecraft propulsion component supply chain
• Experience with both low and high budget space system development
• Demonstrated experience working in a multi‑disciplinary team

At Orbit Fab, we value respectful debate and people who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions. We strongly encourage you to apply if you feel you would succeed in the role above.

Location and Benefits

The UK Orbit Fab office is based at Harwell Campus, the UK’s preeminent gateway to the space industry, and only a short drive from Oxford with convenient access to London. We offer a range of benefits that can be discussed during the interview process.

Candidate must have right to work in the UK.

Orbit Fab is an equal opportunity employer, committed to being a diverse and inclusive place in which our talent can thrive. As such, Orbit Fab does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organisation, retaliation, parental status, military service, other non‑merit factor or any other protected characteristic or protected category recognised by the law of jurisdictions in which we operate. All hiring and recruitment decisions made at Orbit Fab are subject to Orbit Fab’s compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.