Head of Propulsion Department

Head of Propulsion Department

HyPrSpace

Le Haillan, France

Role overview

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.