Junior hybrid propulsion engineer (Full remote or hybrid)

Overview

Join Alpha Impulsion as a junior hybrid propulsion engineer and play a key role in the development of GARNET, the first autophage launch vehicle.

You will be part of the team responsible for the design and testing of a medium-scale hybrid autophage rocket engine, its test models and future iterations to improve performance and meet flight requirements. You will further contribute to internal R&D activities for all applications, including in-space propulsion.

This position is full remote or hybrid with presence on-site required for test campaigns.

Your first project here

Alpha Impulsion is developing a medium-scale research engine and propulsion test bench as part of a major contract with the Campania region. This activity will support the development of a game-changing rocket engine able to disrupt the way launchers are built, reaching performance up to twice that of current propulsion technologies. You will embark on a new project, with the opportunity to build it from start to qualification and exploitation.

Your key responsibilities

As part of your missions, you will be entrusted with the following responsibilities:

• Collaborate on the design of Alpha Impulsion’s newest engine, from Phase A to integration and firing.

• Collaborate with the other teams (systems, materials, mechanics, propulsion) in France and Italy to integrate your results and support the progress of the other programs under development by Alpha Impulsion (i.e. in‑space applications and launch activities).

• Collaborate closely with leading research organisations such as CIRA (IT), ONERA (FR), and DLR (DE) to study and model advanced physical phenomena such as engine dynamics, combustion instabilities, fuel grain pyrolysis and regression improvement techniques.

What we would appreciate most

Education:

• Engineering degree with experience in hybrid rocket propulsion. A PhD in the field would naturally be viewed as a major positive.

Experience:

• Experience in development of hybrid rocket engines and their ground systems. Candidates with 3+ years of experience will be favoured, but the position is open to candidates who developed such skills as part of university rocketry teams.

• Experience in development of rocket engines and ground systems using Gaseous and Liquid Oxygen as oxidiser.

Skills:

• Mastery of internal combustion processes relevant for hybrid propulsion (diffusion‑limited combustion theory, atomisation, erosive combustion) and complex physical phenomena: pyrolysis, ablation, coupled heat transfer.

• Knowledge of 0D / 1D thermo‑mechanical analyses, FEM methods (SimCenter) and/or CFD (StarCCM+).

• Knowledge of measurement methods in use in rocket propulsion. Experience with optical access appreciated.

• Sensitivity to safety processes applied to space propulsion.

• Analytical skills, scientific rigor, and ability to report in traceable technical documentation.

• Comfortable with project management and Agile frameworks.

• Professional English required. Italian and/or French appreciated.

Why you should join us

What makes Alpha Impulsion unique:

• We are building something that does not exist. No amount of technical experience can answer all questions. When tests and feedback are the only path forward, you will find new approaches and define the future of propulsion technology.

• Your work is your own. Each member owns designs and ideas; we all take responsibilities to learn faster. You are the one to solve the problem, because it’s yours to begin with. You have a significant input in all aspects of your mission, from concept to design to method to test and lessons learned.

• We have a driving mission. We are making the difference, halving the environmental impact of propulsion and dividing by six its cost, while preventing orbital debris at the source.

Compensation

Gross salary (RAL) from 28 to 45 k€, depending on professional experience. Additional meal voucher and fringe benefits to be discussed.

If you thrive on challenge, take on a new one and join the crew.