Join ispace as a Propulsion Design Engineer and help shape the future of lunar exploration.
We’re looking for a passionate engineer with broad experience in the mechanical design of spacecraft propulsion systems—someone excited about tackling complex technical challenges and contributing to missions that push the boundaries of what's possible in space.
If you're eager to grow with a dynamic and ambitious team, we’d love to hear from you.
Please note: Due to the large number of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Ideal candidate profile:
The ideal candidate has strong system‑level engineering skills and practical knowledge of how to apply and integrate propulsion components into a lunar lander. Their strength lies in using components effectively within a spacecraft system rather than developing components from scratch.
#LI-Hybrid
Key responsibilities
- Collaborate with other sub-system teams of Structure, Thermal, GNC, Avionics, Operation and AIT, supporting the lander propulsion design to a consistent system for current and future mission.
- Support the propulsion team with technical point of view. Validate analysis and model in the propulsion team, provide hands-on feedback and modification plan, and intervene those technical tasks as showing a better alternative approach if necessary. Prepare the related technical reports, obtaining the approvals from the stakeholders.
- Support propulsion design efforts for spacecraft system development with proposing practical applications such as trade-off studies, material, component, and manufacturing process selection while watching the feasibility in the project.
- Find technical conflicts beyond the sub-system level and lead a solution through sub-system and system level discussions.
- Support the creation and/or the maintenance of the spacecraft propulsion system relevant documents such as -sub-system requirement specification and sub-system design specification.
- Support FMECA, launcher requirement, and the range safety related to the propulsion system.
- Support the completion of the design reviews with closing the action items.
- Support manufacturing, procurement, hardware assembly, integration, testing, and launch operation related to the propulsion system, which may include travel to the sites sometimes.
- Evaluate component level and EPM tests related to the propulsion subsystem. Coordinate with suppliers if necessary.
- Prepare operational plan and input to other sub-system teams of Avionics, Thermal, GNC, and Mission.
- Report status and issues to the team lead and the group manager.
- Support to build a strong team with effective communications in the team.
- Maintain proactive coordination between the teams to balance and achieve project goal.
- Perform 3D CAD-based layout design for integration of propulsion system components and piping.
- Design for integration of multiple components within constrained spaces, considering the flow of pressurized gases and propellants, manufacturability, assembly, and testing.
Minimum requirements
- Minimum 5 years of experience in 3D CAD-based layout design, including integration of multiple components within constrained spaces.
- Experience designing with manufacturability, assembly, and testing considerations in mind.
- Experience in fluid system design.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Prior experience in spacecraft development is not required; candidates should be adaptable, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and eager to learn new technical domains.
- Proactive attitude, strong sense of ownership, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Working-level English proficiency; business-level Japanese is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of mechanical design, stress analysis, material selection, and fabrication processes.
- Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack-up analysis methods.
- Experience coordinating with external manufacturers.
- Experience in mass-production product development under structured design processes, including design reviews and quality control.
- Knowledge of pressure drop analysis using dedicated software tools.
- Experience with high-pressure fluid systems.
- Business-level communication skills in English and Japanese.
We will prioritize local candidates due to visa's requirements.
For overseas candidates, visa sponsorship will be provided. This is not a remote position and would require any successful candidate to relocate.
