Fluid System Development Engineer

Overview

MaiaSpace is a European space tech company, designing, manufacturing and operating competitive and sustainable solutions for space mobility. We are driven by the belief that access to space is a major enabler for a better and more sustainable life on Earth, addressing the challenges faced by humanity: climate, resources, connectivity, and data. Our aim is to successfully design and test a cost-effective and reusable mini-launch vehicle by end of 2026.

The Colibri orbital vehicle has different roles. It will first play a kick-stage role enhancing MaiaSpace performance and injection flexibility. Then, in midterm horizon, additional functionalities will be added to the vehicle to address in orbit services opportunities from which active debris removal is one of our main targets. This vehicle is at the crossroad between a launcher and an orbital system.

Fluid System Development Engineer – Responsibilities

As part of the ACS and Kickstage Propulsion team, your main missions and responsibilities will consist of developing, modelling, testing and bringing to flight readiness complete fluid systems.

• Manage the specifications for propulsion fluid systems and their equipment, such as valves, tanks, pressure regulators and other fluidic components.
• Manage multiple key suppliers for propulsion sub-system equipment, which will involve multiple business trips both in France and in Europe.
• Conduct design and manufacturing activities for the propulsion fluid systems.
• Develop a performance and functional fluidic model in 0D/1D of the propulsion fluid systems.
• Consolidate the fluid systems budgets (pressure, mass flow, mass, etc.).
• Plan and conduct AIT activities for the propulsion fluid systems.
• Plan and execute multiple hot fire test campaigns for the propulsion fluid systems.
• Interact regularly with AIT and test teams in Vernon, involving a regular presence in Vernon.
• Prepare the flight submission documentation and be ready to participate to flight campaigns in Kourou.
• Participate to the definition of the operational modes and control algorithms for the propulsion fluid systems.
• Participate in the consolidation of vehicle and propulsion system budgets (propellants, power, performance, pressure, mass, length, data, etc.).
• Participate in the overall Colibri propulsion system definition and development.
• Participate in the Attitude Control Systems definition and development for all stages.
• Participate in the overall propulsion community of practice within MaiaSpace.
• Elaborate preliminary propulsion solutions for future IOS kick-stage versions.

Job Requirements / Qualifications

We are looking for candidates with the following experience and skills:

• Master’s degree in mechanical, aeronautics or space engineering (+5 years post-Baccalaureate).
• A minimum of 4 years of professional experience with direct involvement in propulsion system development (liquid or hybrid rocket engine systems) – both junior and senior profiles are encouraged to apply.
• Ability and practical experience using MATLAB, Simulink and Python coding is required.
• Ability to use fluidic 0D/1D modelling tools such as ECOSIMPRO or AMESIM is required.
• Ability to work as part of a team and flexibly with regard to a start-up environment.
• Autonomy, rigor, good interpersonal and communication skills, proactive problem-solving attitude.
• Ability to work quickly, be "solutions-oriented" and propose disruptive ideas.
• Ability and practical experience managing suppliers, specifying and purchasing hardware.
• Agility, being comfortable with change and constantly adapting to the environment.
• Fluency in English, written and spoken.
• Fluency in French is strongly preferred – at minimum an intermediate level and willingness to learn French is required.

Working at MaiaSpace

You will be joining a friendly multi-disciplinary team, following Agile and Scrum methodologies. This means that your role and responsibility may evolve over time with varied assignments and challenges depending on priorities and competences. Your work will be hands-on and in close contact with the final product. We are open-minded, transparent, pragmatic, result oriented and people centric. Teamwork is at the heart of how we work together and our co-workers share the same fundamental values: respect, humility, reactivity and autonomy with a passion for technical excellence. Our newly acquired office space at La Defense is located within the heart of Europe’s largest purpose built business and commercial district with easy access to public transport. Written and spoken communication is in French and English.