Senior Turbopump Engineer
Job type:Contract
Country:Spain
Salary/Rate:€60,000 to €75,000/year
Specialism:Systems
Job ref:PG002
Post Date:20. 08. 2025
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Meet Our Recruiter
About the Role
About the Client:
Our client is a pioneering space technology company dedicated to developing advanced propulsion systems that will power the next generation of spacecraft. Driven by three core principles: exceptional efficiency, sustainability, and reusability; they are setting new standards in propulsion performance and cost-effectiveness. Renowned for transforming ambitious concepts into practical solutions, the company recently achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully demonstrating a fully 3D-printed advanced propulsion system, marking a significant step forward in next-generation rocket engine innovation.
Our client is a pioneering space technology company dedicated to developing advanced propulsion systems that will power the next generation of spacecraft. Driven by three core principles: exceptional efficiency, sustainability, and reusability; they are setting new standards in propulsion performance and cost-effectiveness. Renowned for transforming ambitious concepts into practical solutions, the company recently achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully demonstrating a fully 3D-printed advanced propulsion system, marking a significant step forward in next-generation rocket engine innovation.
Position Overview:
Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Turbopump Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of advanced turbopumps for next-generation rocket propulsion systems. This is a high-impact engineering leadership role within the Propulsion department, working at the forefront of high-efficiency, reusable launch technologies. With visibility across multiple subsystems, including Systems Engineering, Combustion Devices, and Feed Systems, this position is ideal for an expert with a strong track record in turbomachinery who thrives in complex, hardware-focused environments and wants to help shape Europe’s future high-thrust engines.
Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Turbopump Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of advanced turbopumps for next-generation rocket propulsion systems. This is a high-impact engineering leadership role within the Propulsion department, working at the forefront of high-efficiency, reusable launch technologies. With visibility across multiple subsystems, including Systems Engineering, Combustion Devices, and Feed Systems, this position is ideal for an expert with a strong track record in turbomachinery who thrives in complex, hardware-focused environments and wants to help shape Europe’s future high-thrust engines.
Key Responsibilities:
● Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of turbopumps for advanced aerospike and staged combustion rocket engines.
● Ensure that turbopump designs consistently meet demanding performance, reliability, and safety requirements.
● Provide technical leadership within the Turbopump team as part of the wider Propulsion department.
● Collaborate closely with Systems Engineering, Combustion Devices, and Feed System teams to ensure seamless subsystem integration and overall functionality.
● Develop and manage detailed project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource allocations to deliver turbopump development milestones successfully.
● Conduct regular technical and project status reviews, providing clear progress updates to stakeholders.
● Lead complex problem-solving initiatives and champion innovation in turbopump design and technology.
● Plan, supervise, and analyze testing and validation activities for turbopump hardware.
● Interpret test data and lead iterative design improvements based on empirical results.
● Ensure thorough documentation of all design, development, and test activities.
● Maintain strict compliance with applicable industry standards and regulatory frameworks.
● Stay informed on the latest advancements in turbopump and propulsion system technologies.
● Promote best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to maximize
turbopump performance, efficiency, and manufacturability.
● Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of turbopumps for advanced aerospike and staged combustion rocket engines.
● Ensure that turbopump designs consistently meet demanding performance, reliability, and safety requirements.
● Provide technical leadership within the Turbopump team as part of the wider Propulsion department.
● Collaborate closely with Systems Engineering, Combustion Devices, and Feed System teams to ensure seamless subsystem integration and overall functionality.
● Develop and manage detailed project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource allocations to deliver turbopump development milestones successfully.
● Conduct regular technical and project status reviews, providing clear progress updates to stakeholders.
● Lead complex problem-solving initiatives and champion innovation in turbopump design and technology.
● Plan, supervise, and analyze testing and validation activities for turbopump hardware.
● Interpret test data and lead iterative design improvements based on empirical results.
● Ensure thorough documentation of all design, development, and test activities.
● Maintain strict compliance with applicable industry standards and regulatory frameworks.
● Stay informed on the latest advancements in turbopump and propulsion system technologies.
● Promote best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to maximize
turbopump performance, efficiency, and manufacturability.
Qualifications:
● Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
● Minimum of 15 years of experience in turbopump or liquid rocket engine development.
● Deep expertise in turbopump design, analysis, and performance optimization.
● Strong understanding of liquid propulsion systems, including aerospike and full-flow staged combustion architectures.
● Proficiency in advanced simulation tools (e.g., CFD, FEA) for fluid dynamics and structural analysis.
● Demonstrated experience delivering high-thrust propulsion projects from concept through test.
● Solid systems engineering knowledge and proven experience managing complex hardware programs.
● Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing project requirements.
● Excellent project management capabilities, including resource and budget oversight.
● Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
● Minimum of 15 years of experience in turbopump or liquid rocket engine development.
● Deep expertise in turbopump design, analysis, and performance optimization.
● Strong understanding of liquid propulsion systems, including aerospike and full-flow staged combustion architectures.
● Proficiency in advanced simulation tools (e.g., CFD, FEA) for fluid dynamics and structural analysis.
● Demonstrated experience delivering high-thrust propulsion projects from concept through test.
● Solid systems engineering knowledge and proven experience managing complex hardware programs.
● Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing project requirements.
● Excellent project management capabilities, including resource and budget oversight.
Bonus:
● Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
● Previous involvement in European space propulsion programs.
● Experience working with cryogenic propellants.
● Knowledge of advanced materials and manufacturing methods for turbopumps.
● Fluent in English; proficiency in Spanish and French is a plus.
● Strong communication skills and a collaborative, detail-oriented approach.
● Proven ability to mentor junior engineers and uphold technical excellence.
● Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
● Previous involvement in European space propulsion programs.
● Experience working with cryogenic propellants.
● Knowledge of advanced materials and manufacturing methods for turbopumps.
● Fluent in English; proficiency in Spanish and French is a plus.
● Strong communication skills and a collaborative, detail-oriented approach.
● Proven ability to mentor junior engineers and uphold technical excellence.
What the Client Offers:
● Competitive compensation package.
● Comprehensive health coverage and wellness benefits.
● Generous paid time off, including vacation and public holidays.
● A collaborative, diverse work environment that values innovation and professional growth.
● Opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge propulsion programs with real industry impact.
● Access to company-sponsored training, events, and professional development initiatives.
● A chance to shape the future of rocket propulsion technology as part of a mission-driven team.
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