DavinciAvia is looking for a highly experienced and innovative Senior Propellant Manufacturing Engineer to spearhead the establishment and operation of our small-scale solid propellant production plant. The successful candidate will work closely with our internal R&D department and will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of propellant manufacturing, from plant development to waste disposal. This is a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team and shape the future of our propellant manufacturing capabilities.

Tasks

• Lead the design, planning, and construction of a new solid propellant manufacturing facility.
• Identify and specify the equipment required for the production of solid propellants.
• Supervise the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of production equipment.
• Ensure the facility meets all industry standards, safety regulations, and company objectives.
• Manage the project timeline, budget, and resources to ensure the timely completion of the plant.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge in the formulation, mixing, casting, curing, and processing of solid propellants.
• Collaborate with the internal R&D department to develop new propellant formulations.
• Scale-up laboratory formulations for full-scale production, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Optimize production processes to improve yield, performance, and safety.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex production issues to maintain high levels of efficiency and quality.
• Design and fabricate molds and tooling for the production of solid propellant grains.
• Develop and optimize processes for grain production, including casting, curing, and machining.
• Ensure that all grain production activities comply with safety and quality standards.
• Design and implement test equipment and protocols for evaluating the performance and quality of propellant products.
• Ensure that test equipment meets industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Use test data to drive continuous improvement in product quality and process efficiency.
• Develop and implement monitoring systems to ensure the consistent quality of propellant production.
• Conduct regular quality testing and analyze data to maintain high production standards.
• Maintain detailed documentation of all quality control activities.
• Design storage facilities for raw chemicals, finished propellant grains, and rocket motors.
• Ensure the storage facilities comply with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Develop protocols for the safe handling and storage of hazardous materials.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive plan for the disposal of process waste and scrap materials.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and company policies.
• Develop, document, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all production and cleaning processes.
• Ensure that SOPs are aligned with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Regularly review and update SOPs to reflect changes in processes and regulations.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and assistant personnel in manufacturing techniques, safety protocols, and quality standards.
• Develop and implement training programs to ensure staff are knowledgeable and competent in their roles.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in solid propellant manufacturing, with a strong track record of plant development, process optimization, and team leadership.

Technical Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of propellant chemistry, formulation, and processing techniques.
• Proven experience in scaling up formulations from R&D to full-scale production.
• Expertise in the design and operation of production and testing equipment.
• Familiarity with industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental compliance.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

Project Management:

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects, manage budgets, and meet deadlines.

Communication:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams.

Leadership:

• Proven leadership skills with experience in mentoring and developing engineering teams.

Destinus is an equal-opportunity employer: we value diversity in our companies and our teams. We do not discriminate based on age, race, religion, colour, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability status

Da Vinci Avia is at the forefront of European aerospace, hydrogen, energy solutions, and defense, developing AI-driven autonomous flight systems and advanced turbine engines. Our cutting-edge technologies deliver superior efficiency and performance, pushing the boundaries of supersonic and hypersonic drones, hydrogen technologies, advanced sustainable aviation, and power generation. We're pioneering the next wave of combat-proven defense innovations and breakthrough propulsion systems combining turbojet and ramjet technologies for future hypersonic vehicles.