Propulsion Engineer (SRM - Certification & Qualification)

Location: Payerne, Vaud, Switzerland, Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland

Department: R&D & Engineering

Workplace: hybrid

Employment Type: full

Description

About the role

Imagine joining a propulsion team where your work directly shapes the certification and qualification of solid rocket motors for advanced aerospace applications. As a Propulsion Engineer you will take ownership of the design and technical certification process for our propulsion systems, ensuring full compliance with MIL and STANAG requirements. You’ll work at the intersection of design, analysis, and testing, driving the qualification of rocket motors from concept through certification. This role combines design, data analysis, and standards interpretations.

At Destinus, we are revolutionizing the defense industry with cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Our innovative technologies are designed to meet the unique demands of modern defense operations, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost effectiveness. Destinus partners with government agencies and defense organizations worldwide to provide advanced solutions for mission-critical operations, enabling a new era of efficiency and technological superiority. Join us in shaping the future of defense with groundbreaking aerospace innovations.

What You´ll Do

• Perform design, analysis, and development of rocket motor and pyrotechnic articles
• Perform in depth data and performance analysis with focus on iterative design and improvement
• Support the design for qualification and certification of rocket motors in accordance with MIL-STD and STANAG standards
• Interpret certification requirements and translate them into engineering and test specifications
• Prepare technical reports, qualification matrices, and compliance documentation in line with military and aerospace standards
• Define and execute qualification and verification test plans, including functional, vibration, thermal, and pressure testing
• Perform risk analysis such as FMEA/ FMECA
• Work closely with design engineers on motor hardware design, insulation, and igniter integration to ensure certifiability from the start
• Support failure investigations, root cause analyses, and updates to design or test procedures to maintain compliance
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to align design validation and certification timelines

Requirements

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Propulsion Engineering.
• 3–5 years of experience in rocket motor design and certification.
• In-depth knowledge of design for MIL-STD, STANAG, or equivalent aerospace qualification standards.
• Previous experience qualifying rocket motors or ignition safe and arm devices according to NATO standards.
• In-depth knowledge on risk analysis, FMEA or similar.
• Hands-on experience with static firing tests, propellant handling, or motor integration.
• Familiarity with pressure vessel design and combustion analysis is a plus.
• Strong analytical and documentation skills. Able to interpret data, write clear test reports, and maintain compliance records.
• Comfortable working across disciplines. Mechanical, thermal, materials, and systems engineering.
• Willingness to travel to different Destinus sites in Switzerland (max. 20%).
• Fluency in English.

Who You Are

You are a detail driven engineer who thrives on precision, rigorous testing, and ensuring hardware meets demanding standards. You enjoy diving into data, solving technical challenges, and guiding systems through structured certification and qualification processes. You communicate clearly, work seamlessly with multidisciplinary teams, and stay calm and focused when timelines intensify. Above all, you bring a mindset centered on reliability, accountability, and advancing propulsion systems with confidence and rigor.

Benefits

Why Join Us?

✨ The Thrill of the Future – Work on cutting-edge projects that redefine aerospace.
✨ Global Innovation Hub – Collaborate with top engineers from all over the world.
✨ Fast-Paced & High-Growth – Experience the rush of working in a rapidly expanding company.
✨ Real Impact – Your work won’t be theoretical—it will shape the future of flight.

Destinus is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity in our companies and our teams and do not discriminate based on age, race, religion, color, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability status.

🚀 Destinus – Challenge the limits of time, space, and human potential.