MISSION BRIEF

As Director Propulsion, you will be accountable for the performance and results of several teams within the propulsion department at Isar Aerospace.
Your Role in Our Space Mission:

Technical tasks:

• Set up and oversee the development logic for propulsion systems, including design, testing, and analysis.
• Ensure successful development, qualification, and acceptance testing of propulsion systems.
• Make technical decisions within the team, escalating strategic decisions to the VP Spectrum as required.
• Distribute and prioritize technical work across propulsion teams.
• Ensure technical milestones, such as engine availability for key projects (e.g., Aquila SL and Aquila VAC for Spectrum), are met.

Managerial tasks:

• Lead, coach, and develop managers and engineers across multiple propulsion teams.
• Propose and manage team budgets and workforce plans.
• Build and expand high-performing teams for (cryogenic) rocket engine development.
• Identify and resolve cross-team and external issues, collaborating with other internal departments and external partners (e.g., test and launch sites).
• Prepare technical reports and updates for senior leadership.
• Represent propulsion teams in internal meetings and cross-functional projects.
• Foster a culture of accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement within the department.

Level Structure & Expectations

• Accountable for the performance and results of multiple propulsion teams or a major sub-unit.
• Owns the team’s roadmap and operational execution, driven by company strategy.
• Proposes budget and workforce planning for their area.
• Manages several teams (individual contributors and managers).
• Relevant Experience: >10 years in engineering, >5 years in leadership roles.
• Acts as a role model, exemplifying company culture and values.

Other:

• Role model for company culture, values, and principles.
• Proven ability to propose budget and workforce planning.
• Ownership of team roadmaps and performance across multiple teams.

QUALIFICATION CHECKLIST

• Master’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar Engineering discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience in rocket propulsion development, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity (managing teams and/or managers).
• Deep domain expertise in cryogenic propulsion systems, with hands-on involvement in practical development activities.
• Demonstrated knowledge in rocket and air-breathing propulsion, thermodynamics, cryogenic technologies, and system modeling.
• Proven success in delivering complex engineering projects and developing breakthrough propulsion technologies.
• Strong risk and uncertainty management, both for self and teams, in a dynamic environment.
• Initiative, autonomy, and continuous self-development. Technical presentation, reporting, and stakeholder management skills.
• German and English advanced language skills.

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.co

Technical tasks:

• Set up and oversee the development logic for propulsion systems, including design, testing, and analysis.
• Ensure successful development, qualification, and acceptance testing of propulsion systems.
• Make technical decisions within the team, escalating strategic decisions to the VP Spectrum as required.
• Distribute and prioritize technical work across propulsion teams.
• Ensure technical milestones, such as engine availability for key projects (e.g., Aquila SL and Aquila VAC for Spectrum), are met

Managerial tasks:

• Lead, coach, and develop managers and engineers across multiple propulsion teams.
• Propose and manage team budgets and workforce plans.
• Build and expand high-performing teams for (cryogenic) rocket engine development.
• Identify and resolve cross-team and external issues, collaborating with other internal departments and external partners (e.g., test and launch sites).
• Prepare technical reports and updates for senior leadership.
• Represent propulsion teams in internal meetings and cross-functional projects.
• Foster a culture of accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement within the department