Senior Researcher – Liquid Rockets (Combustion Chamber)

The Institute

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of liquid rocket engine combustion chambers and associated thermal management systems;
• Perform regenerative cooling channel design and thermal analysis for high-performance propulsion systems;
• Conduct structural and thermo-mechanical finite element analysis (FEA) of combustion chambers, nozzles, manifolds, and related hardware;
• Support material selection and manufacturing process development for high-temperature propulsion components;
• Perform and review analytical calculations, numerical simulations, and design trade studies;
• Support procurement, manufacturing, assembly, inspection, and acceptance activities for propulsion hardware;
• Participate in engine test campaigns, including instrumentation definition, test readiness reviews, data analysis, and post-test failure investigations;
• Generate and maintain technical documentation, design reports, analysis reports, and engineering drawings;
• Mentor and guide engineers and researchers, including technical coaching, design reviews, and knowledge transfer activities;
• Contribute to the establishment and improvement of internal analysis methodologies, design standards, and engineering processes;

Job Specification

• MSc or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field;
• Strong experience in liquid rocket engine combustion chamber design and thermal systems;
• Proven experience with regenerative cooling analysis and high-heat-flux thermal management;
• Proven experience in the development and testing of liquid rocket engines;
• Proficiency in FEA tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or equivalent;
• Experience with structural, thermal, and coupled thermo-mechanical simulations;
• Familiarity with high-temperature materials, brazing, additive manufacturing, or advanced manufacturing methods is advantageous;
• Experience with composite analysis and design is considered a strong advantage;
• Strong technical communication and leadership skills;
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse and multicultural environment;
• Flexibility and adaptability to operate in a dynamic environment, where project scope and priorities may evolve frequently;
• Highly organized, proactive, and self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities independently.