Valve Engineer

About Pangea Propulsion:

We are a company dedicated to developing advanced propulsion systems for the space industry based on three key principles: high efficiency sustainability and reusability. We are revolutionizing the space industry with ground-breaking innovations that allow us to offer the best performance to cost propulsion systems. Our goal is to be the propulsion provider for the next generation of spacecraft which is essential to meet demands and compete in the booming space market of the next decade.

We are a passionate multicultural and multidisciplinary team pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space propulsion technology.

We have already made history by successfully testing the worlds first 3D-printed Methalox Aerospike engine marking a significant milestone for the space industry.

We are looking for talented professionals to join our international teams in Barcelona and Toulouse. We want to be a key player in improving diversity in the Aerospace sector as in Pangea we believe that diversity (gender age race sexual orientation beliefs disability culture etc.) is a key to success. Within Pangea everyone can grow with the same opportunities. We encourage you to apply. Individually we are different but together we are an amazing team!

We are looking for a Senior Valve Engineer (Technical Authority) based in Toulouse.

About the role

We are seeking a hands-on valve expert who will serve as Pangeas company-wide technical authority for valves. The mission is to build the internal capability to specify design analyse source test qualify industrialise and continuously improve critical valves for our propulsion systems.

The first priority will be to assess and internalise selected valves used on Nereus starting where technically and commercially justified with HTP-compatible valves. The scope can then expand to other valve families and propulsion programmes based on risk recurring cost lead time supply-chain dependence and strategic value.

This is a senior individual-contributor role with strong technical leadership. You will work closely with Fluidics and across Systems Design Analysis Materials Manufacturing Quality Supply Chain Test and Operations taking decisions from first principles and carrying them through to validated hardware.

Key responsibilities

Act as Pangeas technical reference for valves owning design decisions technical reviews risk acceptance and the valve technology roadmap across propulsion programmes.

Define the valve internalisation strategy and prioritise candidates using performance safety development risk recurring cost lead time supplier dependence and manufacturing scalability.

Lead the initial Nereus workstream for HTP-compatible solenoid valves: capture requirements and interfaces; benchmark make-versus-buy options; select concepts; and define the development and qualification plan.

Own the full product lifecyclefrom requirements architecture trade-offs detailed design analysis materials and sealing selection through prototyping testing qualification production release and in-service improvement.

Develop or approve valve sizing and dynamic models covering flow capacity and pressure drop actuation force and margin response time leakage thermal effects friction hysteresis fatigue wear contamination sensitivity and lifetime.

Establish verification logic acceptance criteria instrumentation test matrices and qualification evidence for nominal off-nominal proof endurance environmental and compatibility testing.

Ensure compatibility with HTP and as applicable cryogenic high-pressure hot reactive or hazardous fluids through disciplined materials cleanliness sealing lubrication and contamination-control choices.

Resolve difficult hardware problems through structured failure investigation test-data interpretation root-cause analysis corrective action and design iteration.

Lead technical engagement with valve actuator coil seal and manufacturing suppliers; review proposals drawings analyses process controls inspection plans qualification evidence deviations and non-conformances.

Create reusable internal standards design rules calculation methods test procedures lessons learned and product architectures while mentoring engineers and raising valve competence across the company.

Initial Mandate

Build a credible make-versus-buy and development plan for Nereus HTP-compatible solenoid valves close the highest-risk knowledge gaps with analysis and testing and leave behind a repeatable internal valve-development capability.

What you need to be successful

Education

Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Mechatronics Fluid Mechanics or a closely related engineering discipline.

Additional specialization in fluid systems cryogenics mechanical design tribology sealing technology materials or control systems would be advantageous.

Experience

8 to 10 years or more of relevant engineering experience with substantial direct ownership of valve or closely related fluid-control hardware.

Demonstrated hands-on delivery of hardware from requirements and concept selection through detailed design test qualification and production support.

Deep experience with solenoid pilot-operated pneumatic electro-mechanical or comparable valves for demanding applications.

Experience with high-pressure reactive hazardous cryogenic or high-temperature fluid systems; liquid rocket propulsion or space hardware experience is strongly preferred.

Evidence of solving real valve failure modes and working directly with manufacturing suppliers inspection teams test facilities and non-conformance processes.

Technical expertise

Strong command of valve architecture fluid mechanics actuation sealing tribology tolerancing material selection cleanliness and design for manufacture and assembly.

Ability to size and analyse valves using appropriate analytical and numerical methods and to correlate models with component and system test data.

Proven capability investigating leakage friction hysteresis pressure drop response time actuation margin contamination wear fatigue thermal effects and lifetime.

Working knowledge of qualification logic reliability FMEA fracture and fatigue considerations configuration control and technical documentation for safety-critical hardware.

Knowledge of HTP compatibility decomposition hazards compatible materials and seals cleanliness and safe test practices is highly valuable.

Leadership

Strong technical ownership: comfortable making and documenting difficult decisions while actively seeking challenge and evidence.

System-level thinking with the ability to connect valve behaviour to engine propulsion-system test-bench and vehicle performance.

Pragmatic judgement that balances technical excellence with safety schedule cost manufacturability maintainability and qualification effort.

Clear communication across disciplines and with suppliers including the ability to turn ambiguous problems into structured plans and crisp technical requirements.

Builders mindset: equally willing to work at a whiteboard review a drawing analyse data inspect hardware and support a test campaign.

Additional assets

Advanced education: Postgraduate specialisation in fluid mechanics cryogenics sealing tribology mechatronics controls or mechanical design.

Relevant sectors: Space propulsion aerospace energy hydrogen oil and gas chemical processing or other high-pressure and hazardous-fluid industries.

Specialised expertise: HTP service cryogenic valves high-pressure solenoid valves pilot-operated architectures sealing technologies actuation systems materials compatibility cleanliness or lifetime qualification.

Not hitting every requirement Research suggests that some people tend to hesitate when it comes to job applications if they dont meet all the desired qualifications. Here at Pangea Propulsion were committed to fostering a workplace that values diversity inclusivity and authenticity. So if youre enthusiastic about this role but your prior experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification mentioned in the job description we still strongly encourage you to apply. You might just be the ideal candidate for this position or other opportunities within our organization.

Pangea Propulsion is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We consider all applications without discrimination on any legally protected grounds. We welcome applications from persons with disabilities and we can provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace.

More about us

We are an international and very multicultural team. Our work is guided by these core values:

Teamwork: We strive to work together as an aligned team towards our common goals.

Respect & tolerance: we value people with integrity that treat other people with respect. We enjoy having diverse views to enrich the debate and take better decisions.

Passion for growth: we are passionate about space and about being pioneers; also we value personal and...