Hybrid Propulsion System Engineer

at ispace, inc.

• Job title: Propulsion System Engineer
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Tech skills: Numpy, Pandas, Python
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Tokyo, Japan

About the role

• Propulsion System Engineer in advanced research & development at ispace, inc. Leading propulsion architecture and modeling for lunar transportation missions in Tokyo, Japan.

Responsibilities

• Lead propulsion architecture definition and modeling for conceptual‑level system studies of different elements of lunar transportation missions (e.g., Orbit Transfer Vehicles, landers, orbital infrastructure), following ARD guidance and contributing through the concept maturation.
• Develop and maintain Python‑based propulsion models for sizing and system‑level tradespace analysis.
• Assess, compare, and select main‑engine propulsion options - including pressurization, propellant management, feed systems, engine cycles, and key component selections - to optimize system KPIs.
• Investigate and evaluate cutting‑edge propulsion technologies, generating recommendations for future R&D activities and long‑term capability roadmaps.
• Support R&D implementation projects, including propulsion‑related technology demonstrations and customer‑driven development efforts from concept to testing campaign.
• Contribute technically to early‑phase business development, collaborating with Business Development and Government Relations teams to inform proposals and strategic studies.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary ARD members (structures, comms, thermal, GNC, mission design) to ensure propulsion concepts integrate coherently with system‑level architecture.

Requirements

• Bsc. or Masters degree / experience in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering fields.
• Five or more years of relevant experience in analytical modelling of chemical propulsion, including pressurization system, feeding system, boil-off, propellant transfer, propellant management devices, rocket engine cycle, mass and fluid budget analyses.
• Solid understanding of mission‑level propulsion considerations (e.g., delta‑V budgeting, propellant selections, pressurization and feedsystem architectures, usable and unusable propellants, sloshing, and mission environments).
• 3 years of experience with relevant modelling programming languages (Python: NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, or alternatively strong experience in matlab).
• Ability to work in fast‑paced, ambiguous conceptual environments and take proactive technical ownership.