Propulsion System Layout 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.
• Perform 3D CAD-based layout design for integration of propulsion system components and piping.
• Design for integration of multiple components within constrained spaces, considering the flow of pressurized gases and propellants, manufacturability, assembly, and testing.

Minimum requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience in 3D CAD-based layout design, including integration of multiple components within constrained spaces.
• Experience designing with manufacturability, assembly, and testing considerations in mind.
• Experience in fluid system design.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Prior experience in spacecraft development is not required; candidates should be adaptable, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and eager to learn new technical domains.
• Proactive attitude, strong sense of ownership, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Working-level English proficiency; business-level Japanese is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of mechanical design, stress analysis, material selection, and fabrication processes.
• Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack-up analysis methods.
• Experience coordinating with external manufacturers.
• Experience in mass-production product development under structured design processes, including design reviews and quality control.
• Knowledge of pressure drop analysis using dedicated software tools.
• Experience with high-pressure fluid systems.
• Business-level communication skills in English and Japanese.