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Propulsion & Control Engineer

On-site in Madrid·Added 1 month ago (last checked 30 Oct)

Destinus

30 open roles

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Our summary

Work mode: On-site, Madrid
English: Required
Experience: 10+ years
Education: University degree

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Skills

Requirements

What we're looking for

You are a hands-on engineer who wants ownership of the hardware, not just the analysis behind it. You are comfortable making decisions where performance margins are tight, challenging assumptions with data, and following a subsystem from first principles through testing. You work naturally across disciplines, communicate clearly with suppliers and engineering teams, and thrive in an environment where speed, precision, and technical excellence matter.

BSc, MSc, or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field
10+ years of experience in rocket, spacecraft, missile propulsion, or a closely related field, with hands-on ownership of propulsion or reaction-control hardware through design, build, and test
Direct experience with fast-response actuation systems such as valves, thrusters, or equivalent technologies and precise control of thrust or flow
Strong hands-on testing experience, including designing, running, and interpreting propulsion or actuation test campaigns
Strong understanding of propulsion physics, including thrust and flow sizing, thermal behavior, and material and durability limits in hot, high-pressure environments
Experience with quantitative engineering, sizing, and data analysis using Python or MATLAB
Experience with divert and attitude control systems, reaction-control systems, interceptors, or missile systems is highly valued
Experience working across multi-company or multinational engineering programmes is an advantage

The role

Imagine this. You own the propulsion and control system responsible for steering an interceptor during the most critical seconds of its mission. As Propulsion & Control Engineer, you will take ownership of the terminal control propulsion subsystem from architecture and sizing through actuation, integration, and qualification testing, turning design assumptions into proven hardware performance.

Bliksem Exo is a four-nation European consortium developing an anti-ballistic missile system at operational pace. Destinus is the programme prime and is responsible for the exo-atmospheric interceptor, designed for affordability, performance, and production at scale.

At Destinus, we are revolutionizing the defense industry with cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Our innovative technologies are designed to meet the unique demands of modern defense operations, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost effectiveness. Destinus partners with government agencies and defense organizations worldwide to provide advanced solutions for mission-critical operations, enabling a new era of efficiency and technological superiority. Join us in shaping the future of defense with groundbreaking aerospace innovations.

What you'll do

Own the terminal control propulsion subsystem end to end, including architecture, performance sizing, actuation, and thermal and structural integration
Specify and develop fast-response actuation systems capable of meeting demanding response, thrust, and precision requirements
Turn estimated performance into measured results through hardware testing and feed validated data back into the vehicle design
Own technical relationships with propulsion and actuation suppliers, defining specifications, critically evaluating designs, and ensuring hardware meets vehicle requirements
Plan and execute bench, environmental, and qualification test campaigns, including test rigs, instrumentation, data analysis, and verification against requirements
Work closely with GNC, mechanical, systems, and other engineering teams to ensure the subsystem performs as part of the complete interceptor

About Destinus

Destinus is a deep-tech aerospace company developing hypersonic flight technologies, including hydrogen-powered hypersonic aircraft and high-speed propulsion systems. Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Payerne, Switzerland, the company operates across Europe with a strong focus on research, engineering, and flight testing, positioning itself as a key player in the future of ultra-fast air travel.

In Spain, Destinus has a significant presence, with offices in Madrid and Barcelona, where it runs engineering, IT, and UAV operations. The company is actively hiring international talent for roles in mechanical design, turbojet engineering, UAV operations, and IT, offering a dynamic, fast-paced environment at the forefront of aerospace innovation. For international professionals, Destinus provides an opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects in a multicultural setting, with Spain serving as a key hub for its European operations.

Industry: Aerospace
Founded: 2017
Employees: 100–500
Headquarters: Payerne, Switzerland
In Spain: Madrid

Good to know if you are moving

Destinus is a Swiss company with a significant engineering hub in Madrid, Spain, offering opportunities for aerospace professionals in a growing startup environment.
The company is developing hydrogen-powered hypersonic aircraft, a cutting-edge field that offers unique career growth for engineers and technicians.
Spain offices focus on UAV flight testing, turbojet engineering, and production, providing hands-on roles in aerospace innovation.
The company operates in a multicultural environment, with English likely being the working language, making it accessible for international hires.
Destinus is relatively young and fast-growing, which may offer more responsibility and faster career progression compared to established aerospace giants.

All open roles at Destinus