Propulsion Development & Test Engineer

About Etanox

Etanox is a Swiss aerospace start-up developing compact, high-performance chemical propulsion systems for small satellites and deep-space missions. Our unique green propellant blend enables a new class of reliable and high-thrust reaction control and main propulsion systems designed for simplicity, performance, and scalability.

We are a small and passionate team of engineers and entrepreneurs with backgrounds in rocket propulsion, system engineering, and spacecraft design. Together, we are building the next generation of European satellite propulsion technology.

Your Profile

We are looking for a motivated and hands-on engineer with a strong background in propulsion development and experimental testing. You should have solid knowledge in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and combustion, along with practical experience in designing, building, and operating propulsion hardware.

A good understanding of high-pressure systems, valves, sensors, and instrumentation is essential, as well as experience with test setups, data acquisition, and analysis. Familiarity with manufacturing processes, materials, and basic machining or assembly work is beneficial.

You are comfortable working in a lab or test environment, troubleshooting hardware issues, and developing structured test campaigns. Experience with programming languages (e.g., Python) for data processing is a plus.

You work in a structured, safety-conscious manner and are capable of managing technical challenges independently while contributing effectively within a small, fast-paced team. A reliable, detail-oriented, and solution-focused approach is key to success in this role.

Your Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and iterate satellite propulsion subsystems (thrusters, feed systems, valves, tanks)
• Perform sizing, trade studies, and performance analysis (e.g., thrust, Isp, mass flow, thermal behavior)
• Develop and maintain system and component-level requirements and specifications
• Support propellant selection, compatibility analysis, and handling procedures
• Design and execute component and system-level test campaigns (cold flow, hot fire, leak, pressure, vibration, TVAC)
• Develop test setups including fluid systems, instrumentation, DAQ, and control systems
• Define and implement test procedures, safety concepts, and hazard analyses
• Analyze test data, derive performance parameters, and document results
• Troubleshoot anomalies during development and testing, implement corrective actions
• Support design for manufacturability, integration, and assembly
• Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing partners for hardware procurement
• Contribute to qualification and acceptance testing in accordance with ECSS standards
• Maintain documentation (test reports, design reports, verification matrices)

What We Offer

• Direct involvement in the development of real spaceflight hardware
• Real ownership of projects and technical work packages from concept to testing
• High level of responsibility and steep learning curve in a fast-growing Swiss space start-up
• Close collaboration with experienced propulsion engineers and founders
• Flat hierarchies and rapid decision-making
• Work-life balance with flexible working hours
• Office and lab in Lucerne (Technopark Root D4), Switzerland

If you’re excited about building the embedded systems that power and control next-generation satellite propulsion, we’d love to hear from you. 🚀

Please send your application exclusively to info@etanox.com.