Propulsion Systems Engineer

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Due to the growth of our Propulsion Centre of Excellence at our Harwell site, we’re making new hires into our propulsion systems team. This is an excellent time to join if you have space propulsion experience (chemical or electrical) and want to take real technical ownership on satellite programmes.

Governments and private industry rely on us to create satellite‑based systems that provide trusted, anytime‑anywhere connectivity and positioning—helping care for our planet, manage its resources thoughtfully, and explore our Solar System with curiosity and purpose. We view space as a new horizon for collective progress, shaping a more sustainable life on Earth. As a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space partners with Telespazio through the Space Alliance to deliver a full suite of integrated solutions and services.

The role:

Reporting to the Head of Discipline - Propulsion Systems, you’ll act as the technical lead for the propulsion subsystem on recurring TAS satellite product lines and new developments. You’ll cover the full project lifecycle (Phase A–E), from early trade studies through to in‑orbit support.

Key activities include:

• Leading work packages and studies to ensure engineering delivery on time, to cost and quality.

• Providing regular technical progress reporting to the project team and TAS management.

• Owning propulsion subsystem and equipment activities (EP and/or CP) across Phase A/B/C/D/E for satellite programmes.

• Acting as the primary technical point of contact for propulsion in both MAIT and Architecture, interfacing with:

  • Customers

  • PMO

  • AIT teams

  • Procurement & suppliers

  • Other subsystem experts (Mech/Thermal, AOCS, etc.)

• Interpreting mission and system-level requirements and establishing the baseline Technical Requirements Document (TRD) for the propulsion subsystem.

• Supporting and running system-level propulsion trade-offs to optimise satellite and mission design.

• Preparing and presenting subsystem design justification at major reviews (PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, QR, etc.).

• Reviewing and consolidating technical documentation through project milestones (EQSR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, QR, etc.).

• Establishing integration and test plans and requirements for the propulsion subsystem.

• Developing and improving analysis tools in specialised fluidic software (e.g. EcosimPro) and in Excel, MATLAB, and Python.

• Supporting non-conformance review boards and preparing/updating subsystem analysis reports at key milestones.

• Participating in/overseeing propulsion module manufacture and AIT activities.

• Managing anomalies/non-conformances at equipment or subsystem level and presenting technical status in NCRs with the customer.

• Providing technical input to future propulsion developments and continuous improvement of products, systems and processes.

You’ll demonstrate systems engineering knowledge across the “Systems V” to achieve critical project outcomes, and apply strong requirement management skills (traceability, IVVQ, etc.).

Expected behaviours:

• Clearly demonstrable technical competence on subsystems/equipment.

• Able to communicate technically with confidence to engineers, project managers and customers.

• A team player who can interface at all levels within a project and represent TAS externally (suppliers/customers).

• Pro‑active, able to work on your own initiative with a high level of integrity.

• Proactively seeks to understand the wider TAS organisation and think beyond your immediate role.

• Good commercial awareness of your specialist equipment and domain.

• Able to complete tasks autonomously to cost, schedule and quality.

Qualifications, skills & experience

Essential:

• Degree-level qualification in a discipline associated with space engineering (e.g. aerospace, mechanical, propulsion, systems engineering) or related subjects (e.g. physics).

• Solid understanding of systems engineering principles and project lifecycle (Phase A–E).

• Experience working in a multi-discipline engineering environment and interfacing with customers, PMO, AIT and/or suppliers.

Desirable:

• Direct experience in space engineering, particularly with propulsion systems.

• Experience in the design and development of:

  • Chemical propulsion thrusters (mono- or bipropellant) at system/subsystem level, or

  • Electric propulsion thrusters (Gridded Ion Engines or Hall Effect Thrusters) at system/subsystem level.

• Familiarity with satellite project reviews (PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, QR, etc.).

• Exposure to propulsion equipment such as tanks, valves, thrusters, pressure regulators and feed systems.

• Experience with analysis tools such as EcosimPro, MATLAB, Python and/or Excel for fluidic/performance analysis.

• Involvement in AIT activities for propulsion modules or similar high-reliability hardware.

Why join this team?

• Be the technical owner of propulsion subsystems on real satellite programmes, not just a contributor.

• Work within TAS UK’s Propulsion Centre of Excellence, the hub for propulsion expertise across the whole Thales Alenia Space group

• Gain exposure to both chemical and electric propulsion architectures on multiple programmes.

• Develop your systems engineering skills across the full lifecycle, with mentorship from experienced propulsion leads.

• Interface directly with customers, PMO, AIT and suppliers – high visibility, high impact.

• Contribute to next‑generation satellite missions and future propulsion technology developments.

Benefits:

• Performance-related bonus

• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00

• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)

• 24 hours volunteering paid for

• Private healthcare

• Pension scheme

• Life cover

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app

• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers

• Gym membership discounts

Security Clearance Requirement:

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions.  This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. 

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years.  In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.

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At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.

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