Propulsion Design Engineer

About the role

Imagine stepping into a role where your mechanical engineering expertise directly shapes the next generation of propulsion hardware. As a Propulsion Design Engineer, you will drive the design and development of solid rocket motors and all related components, including cases and pressure vessels, nozzles, TPS, insulation, and structural interfaces. You will be hands-on, applying strong mechanical drafting and detail design skills to deliver robust engineering solutions across the full development lifecycle. This role places you in a fast moving R&D environment dedicated to advancing propulsion systems for cutting edge aerospace applications.

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

• Design and develop solid rocket motor hardware, including motor casings (pressure vessels), nozzles, thermal protection/insulation systems, grain support structures, and integration features.
• Create high-quality 3D CAD models, detailed manufacturing drawings, assembly models, bills of materials, and technical documentation following aerospace drafting standards.
• Perform and document engineering analyses (pressure containment, thermal loads, structural margins, tolerances, material selection) to justify design decisions.
• Define manufacturing and prototyping plans for motor components and subassemblies, ensuring manufacturability and alignment with DFM best practices.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturers to address technical questions, resolve fabrication issues, and ensure hardware quality during production.
• Select materials, fasteners, seals, and propulsion-relevant components in accordance with aerospace standards and environmental requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and interns in mechanical design methodologies, CAD workflows, and drafting standards.
• Participate in mechanical and propulsion design reviews, presenting analyses, design trade-offs, and risk considerations.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, propulsion, systems, electrical, and testing teams to ensure proper integration of the rocket motor into the vehicle.
• Support testing activities, including instrumentation requirements, test article preparation, and post-test hardware evaluations.

What You'll Need

• BSc or MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Design Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong experience with mechanical drafting, GD&T, and CAD (ideally Siemens NX) best practices.
• 3+ years of mechanical engineering experience with close involvement in manufacturing, prototyping, or hardware development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of pressure vessel design, relevant standards, and structural/thermal analysis fundamentals.
• Ideally, direct experience with solid rocket motor design, including cases, nozzles, insulation/TPS, or other high-pressure/high-temperature propulsion hardware.
• Experience across several stages of the product lifecycle - design, build, integration, and test.
• Strong communication skills, a proactive mindset, and effective problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work both autonomously and within an integrated, multidisciplinary team.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced and evolving R&D environment.
• Willingness to travel between Swiss facilities (up to 20%).
• Fluency in English is required, German is a plus.

Who You Are

You are a hands-on mechanical engineer who enjoys detailed design, practical problem solving, and taking full ownership of your work. You think critically, collaborate well, and stay focused under pressure. Above all, you bring curiosity, precision, and a drive to push propulsion technology forward.

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.