Fluid Systems and Process Design Engineer

At Orbex we are looking for a Fluid Systems and Process Design Engineer to support our AIT Department and own the design, develop, analyse, and integrate complex fluid delivery systems for our test site in Kinloss and Spaceport.

You will have an immediate impact on developments relating to our ground support segments as well as spaceport integration, directly influencing path to our first launch of Prime.

Orbex

Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime and Proxima launch vehicles being prepared to launch from Scotland. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over £133m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.

We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime’s carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris on orbit.

Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark.

Based in Forres, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, gaining a unique insight into what it takes to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market.

Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.

The Position

Responsibilities of the role will include but are not limited to:

1. Engineer LPG, Water Deluge, Gaseous Helium (GHe) Distribution System, Helium Transfer (HeTR), and Liquid Nitrogen (LIN) systems, including P&ID creation, thermal protection, and insulation integration.
2. Conduct CFD, FEA, and thermal simulations to ensure optimal performance, including pressure drop and flow balancing analysis.
3. Develop and execute test plans to validate system functionality, safety, and reliability under simulated and operational conditions.
4. Oversee fabrication, assembly, and execution of test plans to validate system functionality, safety and reliability.
5. Collaborate with launch platform, propulsion, and ground support teams for seamless system integration.
6. Participate in system commissioning and operational readiness for launch operations.
7. Develop detailed technical documentation and ensure adherence to safety and industry regulations.
8. Identify optimization opportunities to enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and maintainability.
9. Define and manage mechanical and control interfaces for all fluid system components.
10. Manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and support troubleshooting efforts during system deployment.

Qualifications and Experience

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
2. Highly experienced with SolidWorks or similar CAD tools.
3. Strong knowledge of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and high-pressure gas and cryogenic systems.
4. Significant experience working hands-on with liquid and/or hybrid propulsion systems, turbomachinery etc.
5. Numerical analysis tool (eg. Matlab/Simulink) proficiency.
6. Experienced with typical rocket engine performance modelling tools (eg. CEA, RPA, Redtop etc.).
7. Cycle simulation tool proficiency desired (eg. Ecosimpro, Simscape).
8. Communication skills in both written and spoken English.
9. Experience with industry standards and regulatory requirements for fluid systems.
10. Hands-on experience with fluid system testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting.

Desirable experience and traits:

1. Experience in the aerospace or launch vehicle industry.
2. Familiarity with launch pad fluid systems and ground support equipment.
3. Prior experience in prototype development and testing of high-pressure or cryogenic systems.

Personality

Orbex is a high-paced, startup culture where you will be encouraged to take assume responsibility for tasks and see them through. It is imperative that you take initiative, communicate openly and can collaborate with technical and non-technical team members. You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse and multicultural environment.

Location

This role is based in Forres at Orbex’s headquarters with significant time expected supporting our activities at RAF Kinloss, an outdoor test site nearby. Orbex Forres is located at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. It's close to the spectacular coastline, wild beaches and amazing wildlife of the Moray Firth, as well as being a short distance from the world famous Loch Ness, and Aviemore ski resort. If you enjoy adventurous outdoor pursuits in extraordinary natural environments, the coast and highlands around Forres offer an ideal location. Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, camping, sailing, surfing, motorbiking and skiing are all within easy reach of our main UK factory, and many members of our team participate in adventure sports in the vast, beautiful settings of Sutherland. If you enjoy drone flying, wildlife or landscape photography, some of the most spectacular vistas in the world are directly at your doorstep.

Security

You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. You may be required to undergo a UK BPSS check which includes a criminal record check.

Benefits

For the right candidate, we offer an excellent benefits package that includes:

1. Competitive Salary depending on experience.
2. 34 days paid holiday including bank and public holidays.
3. NEST workplace pension.
4. Cycle to Work scheme.
5. Employee Assistance Programme, including: mortgage advice, health and wellbeing apps.
6. Group Life Insurance, x4 annual salary.
7. Orbex are able to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide comprehensive relocation assistance, this includes 1 month of accommodation in the local area paid for by the company, a relocation allowance and full support through the visa application process.