Propulsion Design Engineer

TL;DR

Propulsion Design Engineer (Spacecraft): Design and integrate propulsion systems for lunar landers with an accent on component selection, system-level analysis, and cross-subsystem collaboration. Focus on validating models, resolving technical conflicts, supporting manufacturing and testing, and ensuring mission feasibility through trade-off studies and documentation.

Location: Hybrid, Tokyo, Japan

Company

Lunar exploration company building spacecraft for moon missions.

What you will do

• Collaborate with structure, thermal, GNC, avionics, operations, and AIT teams to integrate propulsion into consistent lander systems.
• Validate propulsion analyses, provide feedback, propose alternatives, and prepare technical reports for stakeholder approval.
• Propose practical design solutions including trade-offs, materials, components, and manufacturing processes.
• Identify and resolve cross-subsystem technical conflicts through discussions.
• Maintain propulsion system documents like requirements and design specifications.
• Support FMECA, launcher requirements, range safety, design reviews, manufacturing, testing, and operations.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years experience in spacecraft propulsion design (not ship or airplane)
• Extensive test experience with propulsion engineering models
• Experience in new aerospace development projects as propulsion design engineer
• Extensive experience with CAD software and drawings for propulsion components and jigs
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Working level English required; Japanese business level is a plus
• Proactive attitude, team player, comfortable with fast-paced change

Nice to have

• Proficiency in Solidworks, FEmap, NASTRAN or equivalents
• Knowledge of mechanical design, stress analysis, materials, fabrication for spaceflight hardware
• GD&T and stack-up tolerance calculations
• Pressure drop analysis, pipework design, bracket selection
• Familiarity with build verification, NDI, welding, external manufacturer coordination
• Team lead experience over 1 year
• English and Japanese speaking/writing skills

Culture & Benefits

• Dynamic, ambitious team focused on lunar missions
• Fast-paced environment encouraging learning and growth
• Opportunities for hands-on involvement in full project lifecycle including travel to sites