Senior Materials & Processes Engineer

Impel Talent is partnering confidentially with a fast-scaling European space company that is redefining how spacecraft are designed, built, and operated.

This is a rare opportunity to work on a

next-generation, reusable orbital vehicle

that will play a critical role in Earth orbit missions today and human spaceflight tomorrow.

If you are driven by the idea that materials matter, that process discipline enables exploration, and that space should be more accessible, this role places you at the heart of a programme that will shape the future of European spaceflight.

The Opportunity: As a

Materials & Processes Engineer , you will serve as a technical authority across spacecraft design, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test. You will influence decisions that directly impact

flight performance, reliability, safety, and scalability , working on both

current orbital platforms and future lunar-class missions .

This role offers genuine ownership, cross-functional exposure, and the chance to help establish materials and process standards in a company moving from development into sustained operations.

Key Responsibilities: Your responsibilities will evolve as the programme matures, but will include: Leading

materials and processes trade studies , including make/buy recommendations, particularly for

storable and cryogenic propulsion systems Defining, maintaining, and closing

Materials & Processes requirements and approved lists

for Earth and Moon missions Supporting

design and technical reviews

at all levels to ensure compliance with

ESA and NASA standards Assessing and qualifying

supplier manufacturing and inspection processes , including recommendations for qualification and acceptance testing Defining and qualifying

in-house manufacturing and inspection processes Working closely with

subsystem teams, MAIT, and future project teams

to ensure effective design for manufacturing, integration, and testing Reviewing

CAD models, drawings, test procedures, and handling instructions

for process compatibility and flight readiness Owning and enforcing

M&P standards, verification, qualification, and certification strategies Acting as a subject-matter expert in areas including

cleanliness & contamination control, welding, composites, and additive manufacturing

What We’re Looking For MSc or PhD in

Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field (Materials Science strongly preferred) 5+ years’ experience

in Materials & Processes engineering within aerospace or high-reliability environments Experience with

fluidic systems ; exposure to

non-toxic storable and/or cryogenic propulsion systems

is highly valued Familiarity with

ESA / NASA materials and process standards Some programming capability (e.g.

Python, MATLAB, Fortran ) is an advantage Fluent English required;

German and/or French

are a plus

Why This Role Stands Out Work on a

reusable orbital spacecraft programme

with long-term human spaceflight ambition Influence

core engineering standards and processes , not just individual components Join a team that values

speed, rigour, transparency, and technical excellence Be part of a culture that combines

ambition with humility

— serious engineering, without bureaucracy Help shape the future of the

European space industry

Position can be based in Germany, Italy, or France. Hybrid working will be applicable.

Interested?

This search is being managed

confidentially

by

Impel Talent .

If you’re ready to apply your expertise to a programme that genuinely matters — we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now for immediate consideration, interviews are already ongoing.