Thermal Protection Systems Engineer

About the role

Imagine joining a team where thermal protection is not just a requirement but a core engineering discipline that pushes aerospace materials to their limits. As a Thermal Protection Systems Engineer, you will take ownership of ablative TPS design for rocket motors and high temperature propulsion hardware, working across materials, analysis, and testing. You will handle everything from thermal modeling and thermo mechanical assessment to material characterization and test correlation, ensuring every solution performs in extreme thermal and chemical environments. This role is built for someone who understands high temperature materials and wants to see their designs validated in real firing conditions.

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 size ablative thermal protection systems for rocket motors, propulsion components, and high-temperature structural assemblies
• Perform transient thermal analyses including ablation, pyrolysis, char layer evolution, and bondline temperature prediction
• Develop coupled thermo-mechanical FEM models to evaluate insulation integrity, thermal stresses, and structural–thermal interactions
• Select and characterize ablative materials such as EPDM-based insulators, carbon–phenolics, and high-temperature composites
• Validate analysis models against test data including recession measurements, thermocouple profiles, and subscale firing results
• Define, support, and participate in TPS-related test campaigns, including material testing, flame exposure, and propulsion firings
• Translate thermal and mechanical analysis results into actionable design requirements, TPS layouts, and manufacturable solutions
• Produce technical documentation including analysis reports, TPS specifications, drawings, and verification plans
• Work closely with propulsion, materials, and manufacturing teams to ensure TPS integration aligns with system requirements and mitigates thermal and mechanical risks
• Support non-conformance assessments, failure investigations, and updates to TPS design or processes based on test outcomes

What You'll Need

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Materials Engineering.
• 3–7 years of experience in ablative TPS, high-temperature insulation, or thermal protection design.
• Hands-on experience with ablative materials, transient thermal analysis, or pyrolysis/ablation modeling.
• Familiarity with thermo-mechanical FEM tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, COMSOL) and TPS integration best practices.
• Experience with high-temperature or propulsion testing, including data interpretation and correlation.
• Strong analytical and documentation skills, able to interpret complex thermal data, produce clear reports, and justify design decisions.
• Willingness to travel between Swiss facilities (up to 20%).
• Comfortable working across disciplines. Propulsion, materials, manufacturing, and test engineering.

Who You Are

You are an engineer who thrives at the crossroads of materials, analysis, and hands on testing. You understand high temperature materials and enjoy translating complex thermal behavior into practical, reliable TPS designs. You work with precision, stay curious, and take ownership from concept through validation. You communicate clearly, collaborate naturally, and stay steady when the work involves extreme conditions and tight timelines. Above all, you are driven by seeing your designs perform in real firing environments.

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.