MADRID Own the development of ATHENA's Propellant Management Unit, taking a flight-heritage precision fluidic system from functional design to full production readiness.
This is precision engineering at its finest, where microliter flow rates, ionic liquids and vacuum fluidics meet the demands of real spaceflight.
Responsibilities.
- Continued mechanical and functional development of the ATHENA PMU, including reliability improvements and production-readiness work.
- Developing and qualifying the in-vacuum propellant filling setup, including outgassing protocols, contamination control and fill calibration procedures.
- Characterising PMU performance: flow delivery, pressure stability, gas management and fill accuracy.
- Writing and maintaining test procedures, assembly instructions and qualification documentation.
- Working closely with the thruster and power electronics teams during integrated testing and firing campaigns.
- Contributing to make-vs-buy decisions and supplier interactions for PMU components.
Qualifications & Skills.
Must Have
- Background in vacuum systems engineering, precision fluidics, analytical instrumentation, or a closely related field, demonstrated either through industry experience or research.
- Hands-on experience handling sensitive or reactive liquids (hygroscopic, conductive, or corrosive media) in a laboratory or production context.
- Familiarity with vacuum hardware: pumping systems, pressure measurement at low ranges, outgassing characterisation, leak detection.
- Experience designing or assembling precision sealed systems (seals, fittings, polymer-to-metal interfaces).
- Rigorous experimental habits: clear documentation, awareness of contamination sources, systematic troubleshooting.
- Comfortable working in a small team where the scope of your role will evolve.
Nice to Have
- Proficiency in mechanical CAD (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or equivalent).
- Direct experience with ionic liquids or electrochemical systems.
- Familiarity with space environmental requirements (thermal vacuum, ECSS or NASA outgassing standards).
- Experience with low-pressure pneumatic proof testing and pressure system compliance.
- Background in microfluidics, MEMS, or lab-on-chip systems.
Benefits & Perks.
A key role in a pioneering space startup, where you will directly impact the development of cutting-edge propulsion technology.
FULL-TIME CONTRACT
A FULL-TIME CONTRACT OF 40H PER WEEK.
FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS
ALLOWING YOU TO MANAGE YOUR SCHEDULE FOR BETTER WORK-LIFE BALANCE.
HYBRID WORK MODEL
WORK REMOTELY UP TO 9 DAYS PER MONTH.
EXTRA HOLIDAYS
IN ADDITION TO 23 VACATION DAYS, ENJOY 6 ADDITIONAL DAYS OFF DURING THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD (FROM 24 DECEMBER TO 2 JANUARY, BOTH INCLUDED).
PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE
PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE, FULLY COVERED BY THE COMPANY.
LEARNING BUDGET
€1000 PER YEAR BUDGET FOR TRAINING, COURSES, AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH.
AUTONOMY AND RESPONSABILITY
YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS WILL DIRECTLY SHAPE OUR TECHNOLOGY AND SUCCESS.
OPEN POSITIONS.
No matching position? We're always looking for great people. Send us an open application and tell us how you can make a difference.
