System Engineer - Innovation Team (M/F)

Founded in 2017, ThrustMe is a pioneering space technology company revolutionizing the space propulsion industry. We made history in 2019 and 2020 with the world’s first in-orbit demonstrations of iodine-fueled electric propulsion systems based on RF ion thruster technology. Today, we are the global market leader in electric space propulsion for satellites below 150 kg, with more than 250 ion thrusters operating in space and over 1,000 systems ordered. We are growing rapidly from 70 to over 100 employees, with a significant part of the team dedicated to developing, industrializing and mass-producing space propulsion systems based on new concepts. Your role: ThrustMe is looking for a Systems Engineer (M/F) with strong skills across the entire development cycle, from system architecture and requirements through integration and qualification. This position is within the Innovation Team, where you will solve problems without established solutions, build and test your ideas, and use the results to improve designs. This requires creativity, sound engineering judgment and the ability to work independently when requirements are still evolving. This role suits an engineer who enjoys open-ended development. You will help define the approach to unfamiliar problems while following applicable engineering and test procedures. You will coordinate the development and validation of propulsion systems, balancing performance, reliability and the constraints of the space environment. You will work across engineering disciplines to turn early concepts into flight-ready systems. Main tasks and responsibilities: - Define system architecture and requirements, allocate requirements to subsystems and manage mechanical, thermal, fluidic and electrical interfaces. - Coordinate multidisciplinary analyses and design trade-offs, tracking system mass, power and performance budgets. - Coordinate prototype integration, investigate failures and iterate through hands-on testing. - Define verification methods and coordinate development and qualification tests, tracing results back to system requirements. - Define technical specifications for prototype components and coordinate sourcing with suppliers. - Collaborate with the Product Team to turn validated prototypes into repeatable, production-ready designs. Skills and qualifications: Required skills and experience - Master’s degree or PhD in aerospace engineering, with a specialization in space propulsion, or equivalent expertise. - At least 7 years of relevant industry experience. - Experience coordinating the full development cycle of space hardware through design, analysis, prototyping and testing. - Experience defining and managing system requirements, interfaces and verification activities. - Good understanding of heat transfer in space, launch loads, electromagnetic compatibility, electronic subsystems and harness design. - Ability to assess engineering analyses and make design trade-offs across disciplines. Proficiency in 3D CAD and engineering simulation tools, such as SolidWorks, ANSYS, Abaqus or COMSOL. - Evidence of independently solving unfamiliar engineering problems and taking responsibility for the outcome. Useful additional experience - Hands-on experience with vibration, shock and thermal cycling qualification tests. - Vacuum technology, electronics, fluidics, chemistry or precision mechanisms. - Design for manufacturing and transition to production. - Personal engineering projects or other hands-on work that demonstrates curiosity and initiative. How you work ? You turn new concepts into coherent system architectures and clear requirements. You know relevant engineering standards but can develop a sound approach when no established solution exists. You connect different disciplines, weigh design trade-offs and help the team make informed decisions. You work independently, involve specialists when needed and follow the system through integration and qualification. If you prefer more structured work on well-defined tasks, consider our other engineering vacancies at ThrustMe.