Propulsion Team Leader (Combustion Devices)

About Pangea Propulsion :

We are a company dedicated to developing advanced propulsion systems for the space industry based on three key principles: high efficiency, sustainability, and reusability. We are revolutionizing the space industry with ground-breaking innovations that allow us to offer the best performance to cost propulsion systems.

Our goal is to be the propulsion provider for the next generation of spacecraft, which is essential to meet demands and compete in the booming space market of the next decade.

We are a passionate, multicultural, and multidisciplinary team pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space propulsion technology.

We have already made history by successfully testing the world's first 3D-printed Methalox Aerospike engine, marking a significant milestone for the space industry.

We are looking for talented professionals to join our international teams in Barcelona and Toulouse. We want to be a key player in improving diversity in the Aerospace sector as, in Pangea, we believe that diversity (gender, age, race, sexual orientation, beliefs, disability, culture, etc.) is a key to success. Within Pangea, everyone can grow with the same opportunities. We encourage you to apply. Individually we are different, but together we are an amazing team!

We are looking for a Propulsion Team Leader (Combustion Devices) in Toulouse.

About the role:

You will be leading the fluidic design of the thrust chamber and combustion devices of the Arcos aerospike engine, Kronos full-flow staged combustion engine Nereus family of in-space propulsion systems, and Cryox in-space mobility engine. You will be leading the Combustion Devices team, in the Fluidics department, closely interacting with the Systems, Mechanical and Test teams.

In this role, you will primarily bring strong leadership, organization, and project management capabilities to guide and structure the team, while contributing to technical decisions across propulsion systems.

You will be joining exciting projects that are shaping the future of space propulsion, from aerospike to full-flow staged combustion technologies to build the future very-high thrust engine of Europe.

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead, structure, and develop the Combustion Devices team, ensuring clear priorities, efficient workflows, and strong team performance

· Drive team organization, planning, and delivery, ensuring alignment with program milestones and company objectives

· Contribute to the design, analysis, and optimization of thrust chambers and combustion devices across all products

· Support the design, analysis, and optimization of thrusters for the Nereus in-space propulsion systems

· Ensure that thrust chamber designs meet performance, reliability, and safety requirements

· Collaborate with the Systems, Mechanical and Test teams to ensure seamless integration and functionality

· Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure successful completion of development milestones

· Conduct regular progress reviews and report on project status to stakeholders

· Lead problem-solving efforts and drive innovation in propulsion and engine system technologies

· Plan and oversee testing and validation activities

· Analyse test data and implement design improvements based on test results

· Ensure all design and development activities are thoroughly documented

· Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements

· Stay updated with the latest advancements in propulsion technologies

· Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance performance and efficiency

What you need to be successful:

· Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field

· Experience in propulsion systems, thermofluids, or complex mechanical systems.

· Proven experience in leading teams and managing engineers in complex technical environments

· Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to structure and drive execution

· Solid understanding of complex engineering systems (propulsion systems knowledge is a strong plus, but specific expertise on rocket engine combustion devices is not mandatory)

· Ability to make technical decisions and guide a team without being the deepest technical expert in every domain

· Familiarity with simulation tools (e.g., CFD, FEA) is a plus

· Ability to analyze complex problems and develop innovative solutions

· Flexibility to adapt to changing project requirements and priorities

· Proven ability to manage projects, including timelines, resources, and budgets

· Experience in systems engineering and managing complex systems

Other useful skills:

· Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field

· Experience in aerospace propulsion or analogous industries (automotive engines, turbomachinery, marine propulsion, energy systems, etc.)

· Knowledge of advanced materials and manufacturing techniques

· Experience with cryogenic propellants and their handling is a plus

· Excellent communication skills

· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to evolving project requirements

· Fluent in English; proficiency in Spanish and French is a plus

· Meticulous attention to detail

· Strong leadership mindset with the ability to mentor, structure, and grow a team

Studies have shown that candidates tend to hesitate when it comes to job applications if they don't meet all the desired qualifications. Here at Pangea Propulsion, we're committed to fostering a workplace that values diversity, inclusivity, and authenticity. So, if you're enthusiastic about this role but your prior experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification mentioned in the job description, we still strongly encourage you to apply. You might just be the ideal candidate for this position or other opportunities within our organization.

Pangea Propulsion is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We consider all applications without discrimination on any legally protected grounds. We welcome applications from persons with disabilities (RQTH) and we can provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace.

More about us…

We are an international and very multicultural team. Our work is guided by these core values:

Teamwork: we strive to work together as an aligned team towards our common goals.

Respect & tolerance: we value people with integrity that treat other people with respect. We enjoy having diverse views to enrich the debate and take better decisions.

Passion for growth: we are passionate about space and about being pioneers; also, we value personal and organizational growth aiming to a constant improvement.

Sustainability: because a long-term vision and strategy is not possible if sustainability is not in the team’s core values.

Daring: we do things that sometimes seem impossible, but we always go the extra mile to find a path to do them and we are ready to take the necessary risks to achieve our goals.

If this sounds good to you and you want to join the New Space revolution, we really want to meet you.