Upper Stage Propulsion Engine System Technical Leader

Overview

MaiaSpace is a European space tech company designing, manufacturing and operating sustainable solutions for space mobility. Our goal is to design and test a cost‑effective, reusable mini‑launch vehicle by 2026.

Role: Upper Stage Propulsion Engine System Technical Leader

In this role you will lead the overall propulsion system for the upper stage, working closely with launcher architects and engines suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Define and manage engine specifications for the MSP launcher, ensuring alignment with launcher and upper stage architects.
• Contribute to the launcher's development and verification plan, linking objectives, exploitation, and measurement plans.
• Support tests and flight preparation, including flight worthiness file, forecasting, and analysis.
• Maintain the first‑stage engine technical database and coordinate configuration management with suppliers.
• Develop technical logic and action plans with engine suppliers to resolve technical issues.
• Ensure consistency with first‑stage engine system design.
• Monitor engine performance developments worldwide.
• Lead design work across mechanical, functional, and avionics domains: concept studies, trade‑offs, technical specifications, functional files, safety file, and test roadmap.
• Manage supplier coordination and convergence.
• Support the company’s propulsion roadmap, industrialization, and operations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in aerospace engineering.
• More than 10 years of professional experience in liquid propulsion and launcher systems.
• Strong knowledge of fluid systems, avionics systems, mechanical architecture, design and development.
• Knowledge of cryogenic fluids, control and regulation, and mechanical justification.
• Experience with launcher system architecture design (function analysis, phase analysis, specification).
• Familiarity with products and supplier management.
• Experience in test and launch campaign preparation.
• Experience with development and qualification processes.

Skills

• Customer oriented with problem‑solving attitude.
• Autonomous, proactive, and collaborative across disciplines and cultures.
• Curious, pragmatic, and able to make decisions to optimize the launcher.
• Negotiation skills.
• Knowledge or practice of Agile methodology.

Working at MaiaSpace

You will join a friendly, multi‑disciplinary team following Agile and Scrum methodologies. Your role may evolve with varied assignments. The office is in La Défense, with easy access to public transport. Written and spoken communication is in French and English.