Senior Materials & Processes Engineer

About the Role

Impel Talent is partnering confidentially with a fast-scaling European space company that is redefining how spacecraft are designed, built, and operated. This is a rare opportunity to work on a next-generation, reusable orbital vehicle that will play a critical role in Earth orbit missions today and human spaceflight tomorrow. If you are driven by the idea that materials matter, that process discipline enables exploration, and that space should be more accessible, this role places you at the heart of a programme that will shape the future of European spaceflight.

As a Senior Materials & Processes Engineer, you will serve as a technical authority across spacecraft design, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test. You will influence decisions that directly impact flight performance, reliability, safety, and scalability, working on both current orbital platforms and future lunar-class missions. This role offers genuine ownership, cross-functional exposure, and the chance to help establish materials and process standards in a company moving from development into sustained operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading materials and processes trade studies, including make/buy recommendations, particularly for storable and cryogenic propulsion systems.
• Defining, maintaining, and closing Materials & Processes requirements and approved lists for Earth and Moon missions.
• Supporting design and technical reviews at all levels to ensure compliance with ESA and NASA standards.
• Assessing and qualifying supplier manufacturing and inspection processes, including recommendations for qualification and acceptance testing.
• Defining and qualifying in-house manufacturing and inspection processes.
• Working closely with subsystem teams, MAIT, and future project teams to ensure effective design for manufacturing, integration, and testing.
• Reviewing CAD models, drawings, test procedures, and handling instructions for process compatibility and flight readiness.
• Owning and enforcing M&P standards, verification, qualification, and certification strategies.
• Acting as a subject-matter expert in areas including cleanliness & contamination control, welding, composites, and additive manufacturing.

What We’re Looking For

• MSc or PhD in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field (Materials Science strongly preferred).
• 5+ years’ experience in Materials & Processes engineering within aerospace or high-reliability environments.
• Experience with fluidic systems; exposure to non-toxic storable and/or cryogenic propulsion systems is highly valued.
• Familiarity with ESA / NASA materials and process standards.
• Some programming capability (e.g. Python, MATLAB, Fortran) is an advantage.
• Fluent English required; German and/or French are a plus.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Work on a reusable orbital spacecraft programme with long-term human spaceflight ambition.
• Influence core engineering standards and processes, not just individual components.
• Join a team that values speed, rigour, transparency, and technical excellence.
• Be part of a culture that combines ambition with humility — serious engineering, without bureaucracy.
• Help shape the future of the European space industry.

Key skills/competency

• Materials & Processes Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Propulsion Systems (Storable/Cryogenic)
• ESA/NASA Standards
• Manufacturing Processes
• Supplier Qualification
• Cleanliness & Contamination Control
• Welding
• Composites
• Additive Manufacturing