Propulsion Engineer (SRM - Certification & Qualification)

The company seeks a Senior Propulsion Engineer in Zürich to lead the design, certification, and qualification of rocket motors, ensuring strict adherence to MIL and STANAG standards.

This position is responsible for owning the technical certification lifecycle of propulsion systems. The engineer will bridge design, data analysis, and regulatory interpretation to qualify rocket motors from initial concept through final certification, ensuring all outputs meet rigorous military and aerospace benchmarks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and development of rocket motors and pyrotechnic components.
• Conduct detailed performance and data analysis to drive iterative design improvements.
• Ensure rocket motor qualification and certification align with MIL-STD and STANAG regulations.
• Translate complex certification requirements into actionable engineering and test specifications.
• Generate technical reports, qualification matrices, and compliance documentation adhering to aerospace standards.
• Create and execute verification and qualification test plans, covering functional, vibration, thermal, and pressure tests.
• Perform risk assessments using FMEA and FMECA methodologies.
• Partner with design engineers on hardware, insulation, and igniter integration to embed certifiability early in the process.
• Support failure investigations and root cause analyses to update designs and procedures.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to synchronize design validation and certification schedules.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Propulsion Engineering.
• 3–5 years of experience in rocket motor design and certification.
• Deep understanding of MIL-STD, STANAG, or equivalent aerospace qualification standards.
• Prior experience qualifying rocket motors or ignition safe and arm devices per NATO standards.
• Strong proficiency in risk analysis techniques such as FMEA.
• Practical experience with static firing tests, propellant handling, or motor integration.
• Excellent analytical and documentation capabilities.
• Ability to work across mechanical, thermal, materials, and systems engineering disciplines.
• Fluent command of English.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with pressure vessel design and combustion analysis.

What the company offers

• Opportunity to work on innovative projects that advance aerospace technology.
• Collaboration with a global team of expert engineers.
• Dynamic environment within a rapidly growing organization.
• Practical impact on the future of flight through hands-on engineering work.

About the company

Destinus is a European defense manufacturer focused on producing modern strike and air defense systems for high-intensity warfare. The company leverages a unified autonomy stack, deep vertical integration, and industrial-scale manufacturing to deliver scalable, cost-effective solutions. Its mission is to enhance Europe's security and strategic autonomy by providing advanced, affordable systems that protect people and critical infrastructure.

• Focus on mass-produced threats and scalable defense solutions.
• Development of cruise missiles, loitering munitions, and kinetic interceptors.
• Commitment to strengthening European security and strategic autonomy.
• Emphasis on affordable, advanced systems for critical infrastructure protection.