Propulsion Design Engineer

Join ispace as a Propulsion Design Engineer and help shape the future of lunar exploration.

We’re looking for a passionate engineer with broad experience in the mechanical design of spacecraft propulsion systems—someone excited about tackling complex technical challenges and contributing to missions that push the boundaries of what's possible in space.

If you're eager to grow with a dynamic and ambitious team, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note: Due to the large number of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Ideal candidate profile:

The ideal candidate has strong system‑level engineering skills and practical knowledge of how to apply and integrate propulsion components into a lunar lander. Their strength lies in using components effectively within a spacecraft system rather than developing components from scratch.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with other sub-system teams of Structure, Thermal, GNC, Avionics, Operation and AIT, supporting the lander propulsion design to a consistent system for current and future mission.

• Support the propulsion team with technical point of view. Validate analysis and model in the propulsion team, provide hands-on feedback and modification plan, and intervene those technical tasks as showing a better alternative approach if necessary. Prepare the related technical reports, obtaining the approvals from the stakeholders.

• Support propulsion design efforts for spacecraft system development with proposing practical applications such as trade-off studies, material, component, and manufacturing process selection while watching the feasibility in the project.

• Find technical conflicts beyond the sub-system level and lead a solution through sub-system and system level discussions.

• Support the creation and/or the maintenance of the spacecraft propulsion system relevant documents such as -sub-system requirement specification and sub-system design specification.

• Support FMECA, launcher requirement, and the range safety related to the propulsion system.

• Support the completion of the design reviews with closing the action items.

• Support manufacturing, procurement, hardware assembly, integration, testing, and launch operation related to the propulsion system, which may include travel to the sites sometimes.

• Evaluate component level and EPM tests related to the propulsion subsystem. Coordinate with suppliers if necessary.

• Prepare operational plan and input to other sub-system teams of Avionics, Thermal, GNC, and Mission.

• Report status and issues to the team lead and the group manager.

• Support to build a strong team with effective communications in the team.

• Maintain proactive coordination between the teams to balance and achieve project goal.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in spacecraft propulsion design ( not ship or airplane )

• Have extensive test experiences with use of propulsion engineering models.

• Have an experience in new industrial development project in aerospace field as a propulsion design engineer.

• Have excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

• Be comfortable with change, fast-pace environment, and learning new things.

• Have extensive experience with CAD software packages and drawing makings for the propulsion components and the jigs.

• Proactive attitude, team player, and strong responsibility for own works.

• Working level of English, Japanese business level is a plus

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Solidworks, FEmap, NASTRAN, or equivalent software packages.

• Have knowledge of mechanical design, stress analysis, material selection, and fabrication processes for spaceflight hardware or equivalent.

• Have knowledge of Geometric Dimension and Tolerance (GD&T) and of the stack-up calculation method for drawing tolerances.

• Have knowledge of pressure drop analysis using dedicated pressure drop software.

• Familiarity with pipework stand-off selection, propulsion component bracket design, and pipework

• Familiar with build verification procedures for spacecraft propulsion system.

• Familiar with NDI and welding process.

• Have experienced in coordinating external manufacturers.

• Have an experience of team lead more than one year.

• Speaking and writing skills in English and Japanese.

Only shortlisted candidate will be contacted for interview.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.