Propulsion Development & Test Engineer
GATE Space
Quality Assurance
Vienna, Austria
Posted on Oct 3, 2024
About Us
At GATE Space, we develop green, chemical in-space propulsion solutions for the NewSpace economy. Drawing on years of experience developing rocket engines, our team is chasing the dream of a thriving economy in space and tackling space engineering problems with a rapid prototyping philosophy. We focus on the development of two products: The GATE Jetpack – a plug-and-play mobility solution for satellite missions – and the GATE Thruster – the world’s first chemical propulsion system capable of highly responsive deep throttling and differential thrust stabilization.
At GATE Space, we are committed to workforce diversity, equality and inclusion. We want to build a diverse team and welcome and value all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.
About Your Role
As a Propulsion Development & Test Engineer at GATE Space, you will be responsible for managing and advancing our thruster test infrastructure, focusing on both technical and operational aspects. You’ll play a key role in thruster testing, including leading qualification and verification testing campaigns, while applying your data processing expertise to analyze results and drive improvements. This hands-on role requires relevant work experience and offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge propulsion development in a fast-paced environment, supporting the full testing lifecycle with a strong focus on test planning and post-test data analysis.
Your Primary Tasks
We are looking for a full-time employee, starting as soon as possible. This role is in-person in Vienna, Austria with occasional travel to customers all across Europe & the US as well as conferences and industry events globally.
About Your Benefits
At GATE Space, we develop green, chemical in-space propulsion solutions for the NewSpace economy. Drawing on years of experience developing rocket engines, our team is chasing the dream of a thriving economy in space and tackling space engineering problems with a rapid prototyping philosophy. We focus on the development of two products: The GATE Jetpack – a plug-and-play mobility solution for satellite missions – and the GATE Thruster – the world’s first chemical propulsion system capable of highly responsive deep throttling and differential thrust stabilization.
At GATE Space, we are committed to workforce diversity, equality and inclusion. We want to build a diverse team and welcome and value all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.
About Your Role
As a Propulsion Development & Test Engineer at GATE Space, you will be responsible for managing and advancing our thruster test infrastructure, focusing on both technical and operational aspects. You’ll play a key role in thruster testing, including leading qualification and verification testing campaigns, while applying your data processing expertise to analyze results and drive improvements. This hands-on role requires relevant work experience and offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge propulsion development in a fast-paced environment, supporting the full testing lifecycle with a strong focus on test planning and post-test data analysis.
Your Primary Tasks
- Plan and execute verification test campaigns of chemical thrusters as lead or co-lead of test operations
- Advance processes around data processing and interpretation of chemical thruster test results
- Lead quality assurance of data acquisition and measurement equipment
- Hands-on work on operations and maintenance of measurement equipment at test facilities
- Cooperate with test infrastructure lead and propulsion engineering team
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience of at least one year in as many of the following areas:
- Experience with space hardware qualification and acceptance testing campaigns.
- Experience in thruster testing.
- Experience in fluid mechanics & systems.
- Practical experience in test data post processing (including general software engineering experience).
- [Optional but desired] Experience as the test operations lead in thruster testing.
- [Optional but desired] Experience in working with nitrous-based systems.
- [Optional but desired] Experience in developing space hardware up to TRL 7.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- In-depth knowledge of spacecraft propulsion, navigation, and control systems.
- Familiarity with industry regulations and standards for space applications.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to evolving priorities.
We are looking for a full-time employee, starting as soon as possible. This role is in-person in Vienna, Austria with occasional travel to customers all across Europe & the US as well as conferences and industry events globally.
About Your Benefits
- First row seat in the development and implementation of a space mission
- Opportunity to shape a fast-growing space technology company
- Attractive compensation package of €48,000 gross per year (exceeding compensation depending on qualifications)
- Employee stock option bonus program making sure you benefit when the company grows
- Other perks such as free lunch at the office every day, free public transit ticket, etc.
- Flexible working time arrangements
