Propulsion R&D Engineer (M/F)

About Exotrail 🚀 Born from a strong ambition to reach for the stars, Exotrail is a fast-growing scale-up founded in 2017. Its mission: to develop and commercialize propulsion systems for small satellites on a global scale. We design products focused on impact, fast delivery, and continuous improvement. Inspired by the digital world, we are firmly customer-oriented and driven by an entrepreneurial spirit. We manage risks to push boundaries and achieve results that would not be possible within a traditional space model. We deploy every necessary resource to support the development of our products, whether in propulsion or in-orbit services. Strengthened by an innovative mindset inherited from our early days, we are preparing to grow into an ambitious industrial company. Job Description 👨‍💻 We are looking for a Propulsion R&D Engineer at our Massy site to support the rapid growth. Attached to the Plasma & Materials Team , you will be responsible for: 📌 Conducting advanced research 📌 Developing cutting-edge propulsion technologies 📌 Collaborating with cross-functional teams Main responsibilities: 📌 Design, develop, and analyze advanced propulsion technologies, including prototype construction and validation testing under diverse operating conditions. 📌 Plan and execute laboratory tests, analyze performance data, identify discrepancies, and implement corrective measures to optimize propulsion systems. 📌 Research and evaluate innovative materials, manufacturing methods, and emerging technologies to enhance propulsion performance and reliability. 📌 Prepare technical reports, research papers, presentations, and maintain comprehensive documentation of research activities, experiments, and project progress. 📌 Drive innovation initiatives within the propulsion domain, contribute to new research concepts, and support patent applications and intellectual property strategies. Preferred Experience 💁‍♀️ Education: PhD in electric propulsion , chemical propulsion, plasma physics, material science, or a related field 📌 Experience : 3–5 years of relevant research experience gained through a PhD, postdoctoral work, or industry projects 📌 Hands-on experience with electric propulsion systems and laboratory environments , including vacuum chambers, oscilloscopes, diagnostics equipment, power supplies, and experimental setup integration. 📌 Proficiency in data acquisition, test applications, and data processing tools such as Python , ideally MATLAB, and/or LabVIEW. 📌 Strong analytical mindset with the ability to independently investigate, understand, and optimise experimental behaviour and propulsion system performance. 📌 Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both French and English , including strong technical writing abilities and a passion for developing agile, high-technology space solutions. About our recruitment process🤝 We are committed to recruiting the right people for the right job regardless of your private background. We meet at least three times in order to give you a better idea of what it's like to work at Exotrail: 1. Technical interview with our Talent Acquisition Manager: you will learn more about the position and our culture 2. On-site interview with your future manager: you will discover your work environment and learn more about the required qualifications 3. Interview with the team and a founder: you can make sure that you share the same vision and values of the company