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Technical Project Engineer (CDD) - Job Opportunity at Dawn Aerospace

Toulouse, France
Temporary
Mid-level
Posted: July 7, 2025
On-site
EUR 45,000 - 60,000 annually, reflecting the specialized nature of space propulsion engineering combined with the 7-month temporary contract structure and Toulouse's competitive aerospace market, with potential for higher compensation based on specific space systems experience and project leadership capabilities.

Benefits

Opportunity to work with cutting-edge space propulsion and in-orbit refueling technologies that position professionals at the forefront of the rapidly expanding NewSpace economy
Exposure to international collaborative projects spanning multiple continents, providing invaluable cross-cultural engineering experience
Direct involvement in innovative space transportation solutions that are actively deployed on operational satellites, offering real-world impact visibility
Access to multidisciplinary technical teams across Netherlands, France, New Zealand, and USA, creating extensive professional networking opportunities
Hands-on experience with green propulsion systems and sustainable space technologies, aligning with the industry's environmental sustainability focus

Key Responsibilities

Architect next-generation propulsion and in-orbit refueling systems that directly impact satellite operational capabilities and mission success across multiple spacecraft platforms
Lead technical coordination efforts that bridge engineering excellence with commercial viability, ensuring projects meet stringent quality, cost, and timeline requirements in the competitive space market
Drive system design initiatives that define the future of sustainable space transportation, contributing to requirements management and performance optimization for operational satellite systems
Spearhead technical feasibility analyses and concept of operations development that directly influence strategic business decisions and market positioning
Orchestrate cross-functional engineering activities and stakeholder coordination that ensures seamless project execution across international teams and external partners
Produce mission-critical technical documentation and contractual deliverables that serve as the foundation for multi-million dollar space missions and regulatory compliance

Requirements

Education

Engineering degree or Master's degree in Aeronautics, Space, Mechanics or similar field

Experience

Minimum 2 years of experience in systems engineering, ideally in space propulsion

Required Skills

Mastery of requirements management, architecture definition, functional analyses and drafting of technical specifications Skills in project coordination, risk management and facilitation of technical exchanges Good technical communication skills and professional English Autonomy, rigor, spirit of initiative and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The NewSpace economy is experiencing unprecedented growth with the satellite constellation market projected to reach $18.6 billion by 2030, driving massive demand for reliable in-space propulsion systems and creating substantial opportunities for technical project engineers specializing in space propulsion technologies. In-orbit refueling represents a paradigm shift in space operations, with the market expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.2% through 2030 as satellite operators seek to extend mission lifespans and reduce launch costs, positioning professionals in this field at the forefront of a revolutionary industry transformation. Green propulsion systems are becoming the industry standard as space agencies and commercial operators prioritize environmental sustainability, with companies like Dawn Aerospace leading the transition away from toxic propellants to safer, more accessible alternatives that comply with evolving regulatory frameworks. The integration of aircraft-like reusability models in space transportation is disrupting traditional launch economics, with spaceplane technology demonstrating the potential to reduce costs by up to 90% compared to conventional rockets, creating new engineering challenges and opportunities for technical project managers.

Role Significance

Typically managing coordination across 5-15 technical specialists including propulsion engineers, systems engineers, and external partners, while serving as the primary technical interface for project stakeholders and maintaining alignment across distributed international teams.
Mid-level technical leadership position requiring autonomous decision-making and cross-functional coordination, with direct responsibility for system architecture decisions that impact operational satellite missions and business outcomes, positioning the role as a critical bridge between engineering execution and strategic project success.

Key Projects

Development and integration of green propulsion systems for satellite constellations requiring 50+ propulsion units per project In-orbit refueling system design and validation for next-generation satellite servicing missions Technical coordination of multi-phase space transportation projects spanning 12-24 month development cycles Cross-border engineering collaboration projects requiring coordination between European, American, and Asia-Pacific technical teams

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in space propulsion systems combined with strong project management capabilities, as the role requires making critical architecture decisions while maintaining project schedules and budgets in the fast-paced commercial space environment. Exceptional cross-cultural communication skills and adaptability to work effectively across time zones and cultural contexts, given the international nature of Dawn Aerospace's operations and the need to coordinate with teams in Netherlands, France, New Zealand, and USA. Strong systems thinking and risk management abilities, as space propulsion projects involve complex technical interdependencies where small design decisions can have cascading effects on mission success and operational safety. Proven ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable project plans and stakeholder communications, bridging the gap between engineering excellence and commercial viability in competitive space markets.

Market Demand

High demand driven by the explosive growth in satellite deployments, with over 2,000 satellites launched annually and the industry facing a critical shortage of experienced space propulsion engineers capable of managing complex technical projects across international teams.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Systems engineering expertise is absolutely essential as space propulsion projects require holistic understanding of complex technical interdependencies, with system failures potentially resulting in mission loss and significant financial consequences, making this the most valuable skill for career advancement in the space industry. Project coordination and risk management capabilities are critical success factors given the high-stakes nature of space missions and the need to coordinate across international teams, suppliers, and regulatory bodies while maintaining strict quality and timeline requirements. Technical communication skills in English are fundamental for success in the international space industry, where clear communication of complex technical concepts can determine project success and stakeholder confidence in mission-critical decisions.

Beneficial Skills

Experience with green propulsion technologies and sustainable space systems, as the industry continues its transition toward environmentally responsible practices and regulatory compliance requirements become more stringent Cross-cultural collaboration skills and international project management experience, given the increasingly global nature of space projects and the competitive advantage of companies that can effectively manage distributed international teams Business acumen and commercial awareness of space markets, as technical professionals who understand the commercial implications of their decisions are increasingly valuable in the competitive NewSpace economy

Unique Aspects

Direct involvement in developing and deploying operational space propulsion systems that are currently functioning on satellites in orbit, providing immediate real-world impact and validation of technical decisions
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge in-orbit refueling technologies that represent the future of space operations and satellite life extension, positioning professionals at the forefront of industry transformation
Access to unique spaceplane technology development through the Mk-II Aurora program, combining aerospace and space engineering disciplines in ways few companies can offer
International project coordination experience across four continents, providing exceptional professional development and global industry network building opportunities

Career Growth

18-36 months to senior project management roles, with progression to engineering management positions typically occurring within 3-5 years for high-performing individuals in the rapidly growing NewSpace sector.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Technical Project Manager leading multiple concurrent space propulsion projects with expanded budget and team responsibilities Space Systems Engineering Manager overseeing cross-functional engineering teams across multiple product lines Business Development Manager for Space Technologies, leveraging technical expertise to drive commercial growth and customer relationships Chief Technology Officer or VP of Engineering roles in emerging space companies, particularly those focused on propulsion and space transportation

Company Overview

Dawn Aerospace

Dawn Aerospace represents a next-generation space transportation company that has successfully bridged the gap between innovative technology development and commercial deployment, with over 150 propulsion units already operational on 34 satellites and 200 additional units in production, demonstrating proven market traction and technical reliability.

Emerging leader in the sustainable space propulsion market with a unique dual-focus approach combining in-space propulsion systems and reusable spaceplane technology, positioning the company as a significant player in the rapidly consolidating NewSpace industry with strong competitive advantages in green propulsion technologies.
Strategic positioning in Toulouse places the role within Europe's premier aerospace hub, providing access to ESA resources, major aerospace contractors, and the broader European space industry ecosystem while maintaining strong connections to international markets through the company's global presence.
Fast-paced, innovation-driven environment characteristic of successful NewSpace companies, with emphasis on rapid iteration, practical problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration across international teams, offering significant autonomy and responsibility for technical decision-making.
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