Principal Engineer (m/w/d)

As a Principal Engineer , you will be at the center of product design activities within the Launch Vehicle Structures Department and across Isar Aerospace . The Department is responsible for the design, analysis, modification, integration, and ground and flight testing of all structures of the operational SpectrumLaunchVehicle , as well as its next generation successor currently under development.

The successful candidate will be a self‑starter and strong team player, capable of independently researching and resolving complex technical issues while also contributing effectively within a large, multidisciplinary engineering environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the interpersonal skills required to coordinate across a wide range of technical disciplines.

This role combines deep technical expertise with systems level thinking, design authority, and engineering mentorship, playing a key role in driving technical excellence and mission success.

Qualification Checklist

• The Principal Mechanical Engineer should have deep knowledge and experience with launch vehicle structural design/analysis as well as the variety of military, space, or aerospace standards commonly used in the defense and aerospace realm.
• 10+ years of experience in hardware design and development.
• Min. master’s degree in aerospace engineering or similar.
• Strong experience with CAE tools (e.g., NASTRAN, Optistruct, Simcenter).
• Experience in static, dynamic, modal, nonlinear, stability, and fatigue analyses.
• Experience with qualification testing, failure investigations, and root cause analysis.
• Experience in System Design and Systems Engineering practices (e.g., Requirements Management, Change Management, Interface Control).
• Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) and product data management (PDM).
• Strong knowledge in various manufacturing methods.
• Strong engineering judgment and decision‑making capability.
• Ability to work across disciplines and influence without authority.
• Comfortably operating in ambiguous or high‑pressure program environments.
• Passion for aerospace innovation, safety, and mission success.

Bonus Skills

• Deep knowledge of composite manufacturing processes (winding, hand layup).
• Experience with mechanisms for aerospace application.
• Experience with thermal subsystems for aerospace applications.
• Knowledge of Launch Vehicle Propulsion and Avionics Systems.
• Involvement in Launch Vehicle Development programs.
• Employee Participation Program: Share in our success through our virtual company share program.
• 30 days of vacation: Enjoy the days off to relax and recharge.
• Company pension plan: Secure your future with our company pension plan, featuring a 20% employer contribution after the probation period.
• Subsidised lunch: Stay energised with delicious, subsidised lunches every day.
• Public transport ticket: Commute with ease using a fully financed Deutschlandticket.
• Rental clothing with laundry service: Enjoy hassle‑free workwear with our convenient rental clothing and laundry service.
• Sport Clubs membership: Stay fit with our sponsored sports club memberships (EGYM Wellpass).
• Individual learning allowance: Grow your skills with an individual learning budget granted after the probation period.
• Childcare allowance: Receive a childcare allowance for your non‑school‑age children.
• And Much More! Discover additional perks and benefits when you join our team.

Disclaimer

Isar Aerospace SE is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to fairness and inclusivity. We do not prioritize any specific religion, gender, nationality, or background. Due to security clearance requirements, affiliations with countries listed under § 13 para. 1 no. 17 SÜG may affect the application process. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.