Lead Engineer Turbopump (m/f/d)

Mission Brief 

As Manager Turbopump, you will be responsible for the end-to-end development of the rocket engine’s Turbopump Assembly (TPA), including the design, manufacturing, and testing of turbomachinery components. You will lead a small, high-performing team (3-4 engineers) and play a key role in the propulsion department’s overall operations, stage integration, and launch campaigns. You will report directly to the Director of Propulsion, providing regular updates on progress, challenges, and risk mitigation.

Your Role in Our Space Mission:

• Develop the technological roadmap for TPA, including design tools, hardware, and processes, and deliver on project milestones in line with company timelines.
• Lead, coordinate, and mentor the TPA team, including recruitment, performance evaluations, and professional development.
• Collaborate closely with other propulsion teams to drive process improvements and ensure seamless system integration.
• Work with the production team to ensure successful translation of designs into manufacturable hardware.
• Plan and manage short- and long-term development schedules for the TPA team.
• Organize and oversee test campaigns, design iterations, and data reviews.
• Support and participate in rocket stage static hotfires and launch campaigns as needed.
• Make hiring and technology decisions for turbomachinery topics in alignment with the Director of Propulsion.
• Coordinate the team’s work packages and track system development progress.
• Assist in financial planning and budgeting for TPA-related activities, including personnel, software, hardware, manufacturing, and testing needs.
• Serve as a role model, demonstrating a strong work ethic and representing the team positively across the company.

Qualification Checklist 

• Master’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience in rocket propulsion development.
• Demonstrated expertise in cryogenic propulsion systems, with a focus on rotating machinery and hands-on development experience.
• Deep domain knowledge in TPA design, development, and testing.
• Proven experience in the development of rotating machinery components (e.g., turbines, impellers, housings, bearings, seals).
• Experience in leading and developing multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Practical, hands-on experience in rocket propulsion system development.
• Proven ability to successfully deliver complex engineering systems.
• Strong risk management skills; able to manage uncertainty and shifting priorities for self and team. High initiative, autonomy, and commitment to continuous self-development.
• Genuine passion for rocket propulsion and space exploration.
• Excellent collaboration skills, with experience working in cross-functional teams. Highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented.
• Strong technical presentation, communication, and reporting skills.
• Fluent in English.

Benefits 

• Employee Participation Program: Share in our success through our virtual company share program
• 30 days of vacation: Enjoy the days off to relax and recharge
• Company pension plan: Secure your future with our company pension plan, featuring a 20% employer contribution after the probation period
• Subsidised lunch: Stay energised with delicious, subsidised lunches every day
• Public transport ticket: Commute with ease using a fully financed Deutschlandticket
• Sport Clubs membership: Stay fit with our sponsored sports club memberships (EGYM Wellpass)
• Individual learning allowance: Grow your skills with an individual learning budget granted after the probation period
• Childcare allowance: Receive a childcare allowance for your non-school-age children
• And Much More! Discover additional perks and benefits when you join our team        

Who we are

We are Isar Aerospace and we are at the forefront of New Space building a modern space business to enable faster, better and cheaper access to space.

Our mission is to help democratise space and use it for good in order to improve life on Earth now and for the future generations.

We are a fast-growing company aiming to provide sustainable and environmentally friendly launch solutions for small and medium-sized satellites and constellations into Low Earth Orbit. The company is privately funded by world-leading technology investors with strong commitment and support and our team is made of driven and talented people with a real passion for space innovation.

We're making rockets in a way that hasn't been done before disrupting a traditional industry. If you are up for the challenge, want to work on cutting-edge projects and be part of a team changing the world for better, come, join us and launch your career!

Want to find out more about us?

Visit www.isaraerospace.com