Senior Propulsion Engineer (SRM)

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

Department: R&D & Engineering

Workplace: hybrid

Employment Type: full

Description

About the role

Imagine stepping into a role where propulsion systems are built to do more than ignite. They’re designed, tested, and certified to perform under the most demanding aerospace and defense conditions. We’re looking for a Senior Propulsion Engineer who will take ownership of the design and development for our propulsion systems, ensuring full performance according to customer requirements. You´ll work at the intersection of design, analysis, and testing, driving the development of rocket motors from concept through certification. This role combines design, data analysis, and development.

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.
• Prepare technical reports, qualification matrices, and compliance documentation in line with military and aerospace standards.
• Develop tools and methodologies for the development, analysis or performance estimation of our rocket motors.
• Support the development of TPS, nozzle and rocket motor sizing tools.
• Support the design for qualification and certification of rocket motors in accordance with MIL-STD and STANAG standards.
• 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

• Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Propulsion Engineering.
• Min. 4-5 years of experience in rocket motor development.
• In-depth knowledge of design and sizing of rocket motors and thermal protection systems.
• Previous experience with coding and tool development.
• Experience qualifying rocket motors or ignition safe and arm devices according to NATO standards is a plus.
• Hands-on experience with static firing tests, propellant handling, or motor integration.
• Familiarity with pressure vessel design and combustion analysis is a benefit.
• 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%).

Who You Are

You thrive in a high-intensity engineering environment where performance, safety, and precision are non-negotiable. You take ownership naturally and feel comfortable making technical decisions that directly impact real hardware. When faced with complex propulsion challenges, you break them down analytically, test assumptions, and move fast without compromising quality.

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.