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# Chief Design Engineer

- **Company:** HyImpulse
- **Location:** Neuenstadt am Kocher, Germany (Remote available)
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Iterative and Incremental Development, User-Centered Design
- **Published:** August 30, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.de/details/5727267353

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or a closely related discipline)
 * Significant experience in aerospace or defence engineering, with a strong background in vehicle or systems design
 * Proven track record of leading engineering teams through full design lifecycles
 * Deep understanding of rocket systems including structures, propulsion, aerodynamics, control and thermal management
 * Excellent knowledge of engineering, tools analyses and processes
 * Strong understanding of systems engineering principles
 * Excellent technical communication skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership and external partners

Desired Experience

 * Experience on an orbital launch vehicle programme
 * Familiarity with space agency standards such as ECSS, NASA-STD, or MIL-SPEC
 * Background in both liquid and hybrid propulsion system integration
 * Experience working within a fast-paced, iterative development environment (commercial NewSpace preferred)
 * Knowledge of lightweight materials and advanced manufacturing techniques such as composites and additive manufacturing
 * Exposure to launch site operations and range safety requirements
 * Prior experience as a chief or lead engineer on a programme that achieved success

## Description

* Lead the end-to-end design and development of rocket systems and subsystems, ensuring structural, thermal, and propulsion requirements are met across all mission phases
 * Define and own the technical architecture of the vehicle, making critical design decisions and trade-offs between performance, mass, cost, and schedule
 * Drive design reviews (PDR, CDR, FRR) and ensure all engineering outputs meet safety, reliability, and regulatory standards
 * Collaborate cross-functionally with propulsion, avionics, structures, and manufacturing teams to integrate subsystems into a coherent vehicle design
 * Establish and maintain design standards, engineering processes, and documentation practices across the programme
 * Mentor and develop a team of engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of innovation and rigour
 * Interface with external stakeholders including launch authorities, government agencies, and third-party suppliers
 * Identify and mitigate technical risks throughout the design lifecycle, maintaining a live risk register and driving resolution