Propulsion Design Engineer

Join ispace as a Propulsion Design Engineer and help shape the future of lunar exploration.

We’re looking for a passionate engineer with broad experience in the mechanical design of spacecraft propulsion systems-someone excited about tackling complex technical challenges and contributing to missions that push the boundaries of what's possible in space.

If you're eager to grow with a dynamic and ambitious team, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note: Due to the large number of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Ideal candidate profile:

The ideal candidate has strong system-level engineering skills and practical knowledge of how to apply and integrate propulsion components into a lunar lander. Their strength lies in using components effectively within a spacecraft system rather than developing components from scratch.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with other sub-system teams of Structure, Thermal, GNC, Avionics, Operation and AIT, supporting the lander propulsion design to a consistent system for current and future mission.
• Support the propulsion team with technical point of view. Validate analysis and model in the propulsion team, provide hands-on feedback and modification plan, and intervene those technical tasks as showing a better alternative approach if necessary. Prepare the related technical reports, obtaining the approvals from the stakeholders.
• Support propulsion design efforts for spacecraft system development with proposing practical applications such as trade-off studies, material, component, and manufacturing process selection while watching the feasibility in the project.
• Find technical conflicts beyond the sub-system level and lead a solution through sub-system and system level discussions.
• Support the creation and/or the maintenance of the spacecraft propulsion system relevant documents such as -sub-system requirement specification and sub-system design specification.
• Support FMECA, launcher requirement, and the range safety related to the propulsion system.
• Support the completion of the design reviews with closing the action items.
• Support manufacturing, procurement, hardware assembly, integration, testing, and launch operation related to the propulsion system, which may include travel to the sites sometimes.
• Evaluate component level and EPM tests related to the propulsion subsystem. Coordinate with suppliers if necessary.
• Prepare operational plan and input to other sub-system teams of Avionics, Thermal, GNC, and Mission.
• Report status and issues to the team lead and the group manager.
• Support to build a strong team with effective communications in the team.
• Maintain proactive coordination between the teams to balance and achieve project goal.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in spacecraft propulsion design (not ship or airplane)
• Have extensive test experiences with use of propulsion engineering models.
• Have an experience in new industrial development project in aerospace field as a propulsion design engineer.
• Have excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Be comfortable with change, fast-pace environment, and learning new things.
• Have extensive experience with CAD software packages and drawing makings for the propulsion components and the jigs.
• Proactive attitude, team player, and strong responsibility for own works.
• Working level of English, Japanese business level is a plus

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Solidworks, FEmap, NASTRAN, or equivalent software packages.
• Have knowledge of mechanical design, stress analysis, material selection, and fabrication processes for spaceflight hardware or equivalent.
• Have knowledge of Geometric Dimension and Tolerance (GD&T) and of the stack-up calculation method for drawing tolerances.
• Have knowledge of pressure drop analysis using dedicated pressure drop software.
• Familiarity with pipework stand-off selection, propulsion component bracket design, and pipework
• Familiar with build verification procedures for spacecraft propulsion system.
• Familiar with NDI and welding process.
• Have experienced in coordinating external manufacturers.
• Have an experience of team lead more than one year.
• Speaking and writing skills in English and Japanese.