Space Propulsion Systems Architect - IVVQ Lead

We are looking for a System Architect at our Massy site, to support the rapid growth.

Attached to the Test Engineering Team , the System Architect is a key technical leadership role responsible for defining the end-to-end architecture and ensuring the seamless integration of propulsion systems. You will act as the technical bridge between external subsystem suppliers and the final product, ensuring that all components (e.g. plasma, thermal, mechanical, electronics, fluidics) are harmonized to meet mission-critical satellite objectives.

Drawing on your experience in integrator environments, you will lead the system lifecycle from initial concept through to final qualification and launch. You are the guardian of the system’s technical integrity, balancing performance, safety, reliability and cost within a high-stakes space environment.

You will be working closely with design, engineering, manufacturing and subcontracting teams to ensure deadlines and technical specifications are met.

Responsibilities

• Define and manage the functional, logical and physical architecture of propulsion systems as well as guarantee the compliance of the global system. You will also plan and carry out functional tests to validate propulsion system operation in near-space conditions.
• Elicit, flow down and track system-level requirements and ensure traceability from mission goals to subsystem specifications.
• Perform high-level design analysis including FMECA, Worst-Case Analysis (WCA) to ensure mission success.
• Lead the technical relationship with external vendors. Specify, review and validate technical deliverables from subsystem suppliers to ensure compatibility with the propulsion system and satellite bus.
• Define and manage Interface Control Documents (ICD) across mechanical, electrical, thermal and data interfaces.
• Oversee the Integration, Verification, Validation and Qualification (IVVQ) plan. Ensure the propulsion system meets space standards through rigorous testing and analysis.
• Participate in drafting integration procedures and reporting on project progress.
• Provide expert technical support during Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) phases, including the management of Non-Conformance Reports (NCR) and participation in Review Boards (KO, PDR, CDR, QRR, QRB).

Technical Qualifications

• 7-10 years experiences minimum in space system engineering, with a significant background in subsystem integrators or Large System Integrators (LSI) or Tier-1 space suppliers.
• Master’s degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional fluency in English is mandatory
• Deep understanding of the satellite propulsion market and the specific constraints of the space environment (vacuum, thermal, radiation).
• Understand of communication standards (CAN, RS).
• Strong grasp of electric and/or chemical propulsion principles and their interaction with the satellite’s AOCS (Attitude and Orbit Control System).