Propulsion Systems Engineer

Location: Oxford, United Kingdom 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](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels). #LI-DB1 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.](https://careers.thalesgroup.com/global/en/united-kingdom-benefits) We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features [here.](https://careers.thalesgroup.com/global/en/united-kingdom-diversity-and-inclusion) If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community [here.](https://careers.thalesgroup.com/global/en/jointalentcommunity) Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!