Head of Propulsion Department (m/w/d)

HYPRSPACE

POWERING AEROSPACE FUTURE WITH THE NEXTGEN PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY

At HyPrSpace, our mission is clear: to make advanced propulsion technology affordable and accessible for a wide array of applications, from civilian to defense. With our pioneering hybrid rocket engine, we're introducing a new era of aerospace capabilities—more efficient, cost-effective, safer, and sustainable.

Joining us :

Join the adventure at HyPrSpace, where innovation, collaboration, and humor blend to create groundbreaking advancements in space propulsion. 

As part of the #SpaceBakers team, you’ll contribute to a unique, patented technological leap, embarking on the full lifecycle development of a launch vehicle. Immerse yourself in an environment that prioritizes a "test and learn" philosophy, ensuring your ideas not only take flight but soar. 

At HyPrSpace, your work directly impacts our trajectory towards success, offering rapid skill development in an iterative, hands-on approach. 

Enjoy competitive compensation, flexible working conditions, and equity through our BSPCE stock option plan, all within the vibrant surroundings of Bordeaux, a nexus of culture, viniculture, and coastal life!

Role overview:

To accompany the growth of the company, we create a new position : Head of our Propulsion Department.  In this role, you will lead passionate engineers on a mission to pioneering hybrid propulsion systems and contribute to ambitious, first-of-their-kind programs. 

Reporting directly to our CTO/ Chief Engineer, you will collaborate with senior leadership team  while spearheading innovation on our flagship launchers: Baguette One and OB-1. These rockets are set to fly in 2026 and 2027, and your work will play a key role in shaping their journey to space.

Your primary objectives will be clear :

• Deliver innovative, efficient, and simple hybrid engines for Baguette One and OB-1, ensuring system maturity and readiness for combined 1:1 flight model tests.
• Craft, propose and execute a global strategy to deepen our hybrid propulsion expertise, accelerate mastery, and develop your team's skills using in-house 1:20 model test benches and advanced combustion simulations.

Your key responsibilities :

 We will entrust you with the following key responsibilities:

Team management:

• Lead, mentor, and energize your team members, fostering a culture where creativity, collaboration, and rigorous testing thrive.
• Set ambitious yet achievable goals, prioritize workstreams, and ensure your team delivers rock-solid results on time and within budget.
• Empower your team through continuous feedback and professional development, creating the propulsion experts of tomorrow.

Technical oversight:

• Oversee the end-to-end design, development, and testing of hybrid propulsion systems and rocket engines.
• Safeguard system integration with a  focus on performance, reliability, and simplicity.
• Collaborate across departments—Avionics, Structures, Testing, and AIT—to ensure a seamless flow of ideas and execution.
• Drive innovation by exploring advanced materials, manufacturing techniques, and new processes that could give our systems a competitive lead.

Strategic contribution:

• Partner with the CTO and the senior leadership team to define the technical roadmap for propulsion, ensuring alignment with long-term company goals.
• Represent the propulsion team at high-level meetings and provide insightful technical advice to guide key decisions.
• Forge partnerships with suppliers, research organizations, and industry leaders to stay ahead of the curve in propulsion technology.

Project and budget management:

• Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, and resources, balancing speed and quality in every milestone.
• Identify and mitigate risks , ensuring safety compliance across all systems.
• Regularly report progress, celebrate wins, and rally the team to overcome challenges.

Who we seek :

Qualifications required:

• Master’s or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on propulsion systems.
• 10+ years of experience in propulsion system design, development, and testing, ideally within the aerospace or space industry.
• Proven leadership experience managing high-performing technical teams and complex engineering projects.

An experience working in  fast-paced environments where priorities evolve quickly and a  strong network within the aerospace and propulsion community would be a + !

This position is the latest designed to complete our senior management team. We are seeking for someone open-minded and adaptable, ready to embrace bold ideas and test unconventional approaches,  unafraid of failure as a stepping stone to success.

Ready to take on this unique opportunity? Apply!
 

HyPrSpace is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. Our selection process is based on competencies requirements for positions only. If you are eager to make a significant impact, come as you are, we want to hear from you.