Propulsion & Control Engineer

About the role

Bliksem Exo is a four-nation European consortium developing an anti-ballistic missile system at operational pace; Destinus is the programme prime and is responsible for the exo-atmospheric interceptor. As Propulsion & Control Engineer, you will take ownership of the terminal control propulsion subsystem, from architecture and sizing through actuation, integration and qualification testing, turning design assumptions into proven hardware performance.

Key responsibilities

• Own the terminal control propulsion subsystem end to end, including architecture, performance sizing, actuation and thermal and structural integration.
• Specify and develop fast-response actuation systems meeting demanding response, thrust and precision requirements.
• Turn estimated performance into measured results through hardware testing and feed validated data back into the vehicle design.
• Maintain technical relationships with propulsion and actuation suppliers, defining specifications, evaluating designs and ensuring hardware meets vehicle requirements.
• Plan and run bench, environmental and qualification test campaigns, including test rigs, instrumentation, data analysis and verification against requirements.
• Work with GNC, mechanical, systems and other engineering teams so the subsystem performs as part of the complete interceptor.

Required profile

• BSc, MSc or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in rocket, spacecraft, missile propulsion or a closely related field, with hands-on ownership of propulsion or reaction-control hardware through design, build and test.
• Direct experience with fast-response actuation systems such as valves, thrusters or equivalent technologies, and precise control of thrust or flow.
• Strong hands-on testing experience, including designing, running and interpreting propulsion or actuation test campaigns.
• Understanding of propulsion physics, including thrust and flow sizing, thermal behavior and material and durability limits in hot, high-pressure environments.
• Experience with divert and attitude control systems, reaction-control systems, interceptors or missile systems is highly valued.
• Experience on multi-company or multinational engineering programmes is an advantage.

Required skills

• Quantitative engineering, sizing and data analysis using Python or MATLAB.
• Hands-on hardware testing and interpretation of test data.