fluid system development engineer

We are looking for a fluid system development engineer to join one of our agile multi-disciplinary teams in charge of the development of multiple propulsion systems on board the MaiaSpace launcher. This team develops advanced propulsion systems for the Colibri orbital vehicle and for the attitude control systems of the reusable first stage and the upper stage.

The Colibri orbital vehicle has different roles. It will first play a kick-stage role enhancing MaiaSpace performance and injection flexibility. Then, in midterm horizon, additional functionalities will be added to the vehicle to address in orbit services opportunities from which active debris removal is one of our main targets. This vehicle is at the crossroad between a launcher and an orbital system.

In 2026, the main objectives are to test and validate many key elements of the Colibri vehicle, including its novel propulsion system. Colibri is equipped with green chemical propulsion based on two storable propellants, high concentration hydrogen peroxide as oxidizer and ethanol as fuel. MaiaSpace has built its own test site in Vernon to perform hot fire development tests with these propellants. The plan going forward is to carry out multiple test demonstrations of the Colibri propulsion system, until its first flight mission. For the attitude control systems, the approach is similar as we are conducting and planning multiple test campaigns ahead of their first use on the first Maia flight.

As part of the ACS and Kickstage Propulsion team, your main missions and responsibilities will consist of developing, modelling, testing and bringing to flight readiness complete fluid systems:

• Manage the specifications for propulsion fluid systems and their equipment, such as valves, tanks, pressure regulators and other fluidic components,
• Manage multiple key suppliers for propulsion sub-system equipment, which will involve multiple business trips both in France and in Europe,
• Conduct design and manufacturing activities for the propulsion fluid systems,
• Develop a performance and functional fluidic model in 0D/1D of the propulsion fluid systems,
• Consolidate the fluid systems budgets (pressure, mass flow, mass, etc.),
• Plan and conduct AIT activities for the propulsion fluid systems,
• Plan and execute multiple hot fire test campaigns for the propulsion fluid systems,
• Interact regularly with AIT and test teams in Vernon, involving a regular presence in Vernon,
• Prepare the flight submission documentation and be ready to participate to flight campaigns in Kourou,
• Participate to the definition of the operational modes and control algorithms for the propulsion fluid systems,
• Participate in the consolidation of vehicle and propulsion system budgets (propellants, power, performance, pressure, mass, length, data, etc.),
• Participate in the overall Colibri propulsion system definition and development,
• Participate in the Attitude Control Systems definition and development for all stages,
• Participate in the overall propulsion community of practice within MaiaSpace,
• Elaborate preliminary propulsion solutions for future IOS kick-stage versions.

• Master’s degree in mechanical, aeronautics or space engineering (+5 years post-Baccalaureate),
• A minimum of 4 years of professional experience with direct involvement in propulsion system development (liquid or hybrid rocket engine systems) - both junior and senior profiles are encouraged to apply,
• Ability and practical experience using MATLAB, Simulink and Python coding is required,
• Ability to use fluidic 0D/1D modelling tools such as ECOSIMPRO or AMESIM is required,
• Ability to work as part of a team and flexibly with regard to a start-up environment,
• Autonomy, rigor, good interpersonal and communication skills, proactive problem-solving attitude,
• Ability to work quickly, be “solutions-oriented” and propose disruptive ideas,
• Ability and practical experience managing suppliers, specifying and purchasing hardware,
• Agility, being comfortable with change and constantly adapting to the environment,
• Fluency in English, written and spoken,
• Fluency in French is strongly preferred