Chief Design Engineer (m/f/d)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design and development of rocket systems and subsystems, ensuring structural, thermal, and propulsion requirements are met across all mission phases
• Define and own the technical architecture of the vehicle, making critical design decisions and trade-offs between performance, mass, cost, and schedule
• Drive design reviews (PDR, CDR, FRR) and ensure all engineering outputs meet safety, reliability, and regulatory standards
• Collaborate cross-functionally with propulsion, avionics, structures, and manufacturing teams to integrate subsystems into a coherent vehicle design
• Establish and maintain design standards, engineering processes, and documentation practices across the programme
• Mentor and develop a team of engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of innovation and rigour
• Interface with external stakeholders including launch authorities, government agencies, and third-party suppliers
• Identify and mitigate technical risks throughout the design lifecycle, maintaining a live risk register and driving resolution

Basic Qualification

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or a closely related discipline)
• Significant experience in aerospace or defence engineering, with a strong background in vehicle or systems design
• Proven track record of leading engineering teams through full design lifecycles
• Deep understanding of rocket systems including structures, propulsion, aerodynamics, control and thermal management
• Excellent knowledge of engineering, tools analyses and processes
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles
• Excellent technical communication skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership and external partners

Desired Experience

• Experience on an orbital launch vehicle programme
• Familiarity with space agency standards such as ECSS, NASA-STD, or MIL-SPEC
• Background in both liquid and hybrid propulsion system integration
• Experience working within a fast-paced, iterative development environment (commercial NewSpace preferred)
• Knowledge of lightweight materials and advanced manufacturing techniques such as composites and additive manufacturing
• Exposure to launch site operations and range safety requirements
• Prior experience as a chief or lead engineer on a programme that achieved success

Benefits

In Germany:

• €50 monthly Spendit Card – because it’s the little extras that make a difference
• Christmas bonus on top
• Job bike leasing for a sporty and sustainable commute
• €60 gift for special occasions (birthday, wedding, birth of a child)
• Regular team events – from Christmas parties to adventure offsites
• 30 days of vacation to fully recharge
• Flexible working hours (flextime) to match your personal rhythm
• 1 day of remote work per week
• Free coffee, tea & water – fuel for big ideas
• Open, respectful feedback culture at eye level
• Personal development opportunities through trainings, coaching & language courses
• Buddy program with structured onboarding, including a welcome package
• A diverse and inspiring startup environment , where talented people from over 16 nations collaborate to build something extraordinary
• Hands-on involvement across end-to-end development processes in a fast-growing New Space startup

In UK:

• Christmas bonus on top
• Regular team events – from Christmas parties to adventure offsites
• 30 days of vacation to fully recharge
• Flexible working hours (flextime) to match your personal rhythm
• 1 day of remote work per week
• Free coffee, tea & water – fuel for big ideas
• Open, respectful feedback culture at eye level
• Personal development opportunities through trainings, coaching & language courses
• Buddy program with structured onboarding, including a welcome package
• A diverse and inspiring startup environment , where talented people from over 16 nations collaborate to build something extraordinary
• h ands-on involvement across end-to-end development processes in a fast-growing New Space startup

Location

Our location in Neuenstadt in the region of Heilbronn offers an ideal combination of rural charm and urban quality of life. Located in the heart of Baden-Württemberg, the region is characterized by its excellent traffic connections and diverse opportunities for leisure activities. Discover the advantages of this dynamic and liveable environment and benefit from a good work-life balance.
2023, Baden-Württemberg registered by far the most patents in Germany. A total of 16,000 people work in LR BW member companies and generate an annual turnover of around 5 billion euros - and the trend is rising. The strength of Baden-Württemberg's aerospace industry lies in the integrated value chain from the screw to the research satellite.

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This role will be based in Glasgow, Scotland and at occasionally there may be requirements to travel to our facilities in …