Head of Propulsion Systems

Head Of Propulsion Systems

iO Associates have partnered with an innovative NewSpace company developing next-generation launch capabilities and advanced propulsion technologies. Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint a Head of Propulsion to lead a critical engineering function responsible for the development, qualification, and delivery of propulsion systems.

This is a rare opportunity to join a rapidly scaling space company at a pivotal stage of its growth. Alongside a highly competitive package, the business can provide relocation support for candidates moving internationally, offer a flexible hybrid working model tailored around individual circumstances, and plans to introduce future employee stock option programmes as the company continues to expand.

The organisation understands that attracting top talent often requires flexibility and is open to discussing working arrangements, including rotational on-site schedules where appropriate (for example, two weeks on-site followed by two weeks remote), depending on the candidate's circumstances and business requirements.

The successful candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strong leadership capabilities, ensuring propulsion system development is delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with programme milestones and long-term business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Resource Management

• Lead, develop, and mentor a multidisciplinary propulsion engineering team.
• Define and maintain the team's structure, capabilities, and resource planning to support current and future programme requirements.
• Manage workload, capacity, and resource allocation, taking corrective action where necessary.
• Maintain skills and competency matrices, identifying training and development requirements.
• Support recruitment activities and justify hiring needs based on programme demands and capability gaps.
• Conduct performance management activities, providing regular feedback and career development support.
• Oversee team administration, including approvals, budgets, and departmental processes.

Technical Leadership

• Maintain end-to-end traceability between propulsion system requirements and higher-level system requirements.
• Lead technical trade studies and engineering decision-making activities.
• Ensure robust reliability, maintainability, safety, and risk analyses are completed throughout the development lifecycle.
• Oversee configuration management and documentation control for propulsion systems.
• Ensure adherence to quality, manufacturing, and regulatory processes, including readiness reviews and non-conformance management.
• Drive verification, validation, qualification, and acceptance activities to ensure systems meet performance, safety, and reliability requirements.
• Manage technology maturity roadmaps and development plans.
• Identify, assess, and communicate technical risks to programme stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, integration, operations, and programme teams throughout all phases of development.

Required Background

Education

• Degree in Propulsion Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.

Technical & Leadership Skills

• Strong understanding of space propulsion systems and fluid systems engineering.
• Experience across the full product development lifecycle, from concept through qualification and flight readiness.
• Programme and project management experience, including planning and budget oversight.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing engineering teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Fluent English communication skills (written and spoken).
• Self-motivated, proactive, and comfortable operating at both strategic and technical levels.

Experience

• Typically 5-10 years of experience working on propulsion, fluid, or related systems within the space, launch vehicle, satellite, defence, or highly regulated engineering sectors.
• Previous experience leading engineering teams and delivering complex propulsion or fluid systems through development and qualification is highly desirable.

Interested?

Whether you're currently leading a propulsion team or looking for the next step in your career, this is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of European space launch capabilities. If you're excited by the challenge of building, leading, and delivering cutting-edge propulsion technology, we'd love to hear from you.

Ready to help launch the next generation of space technology while taking your own career to new heights? Apply today or get in touch for a confidential discussion.

Disclaimer: Any remuneration stated in this advertisement is indicative and will be dependent on the successful candidate's experience, skills and qualifications. Final remuneration will be agreed with the successful candidate and will be subject to the terms of the contract.