Head of Propulsion

Head of Propulsion

Location: Reims, France (Onsite preferred, flexible arrangements considered)

iO Associates are partnered with an organisation operating within the space sector, who are seeking a Head of Propulsion to lead their propulsion engineering team.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of an established propulsion function, providing both technical and people leadership across a team of specialist engineers. The successful candidate will play a key role in defining propulsion development activities and supporting the organisation’s technical objectives.

As Head of Propulsion, you will be responsible for leading the propulsion function, overseeing engineering activities and ensuring the successful delivery of propulsion development programmes. This role combines technical leadership, people management and operational oversight, making it ideal for an experienced engineering leader looking to take ownership of a highly specialised function.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Propulsion Department, providing technical and strategic direction.
• Act as the main point of contact for propulsion-related activities across the organisation.
• Manage and develop the propulsion team, including recruitment, performance reviews, training plans and career development.
• Establish the development approach for propulsion systems.
• Manage departmental budgets, schedules, resource planning, training activities and travel requirements.
• Identify future skills and resource requirements within the department.
• Work closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to support programme delivery.
• Contribute to commercial proposals, bids and project opportunities where required.
• Review and approve technical documentation issued internally and externally.
• Approve departmental expenditure in line with company processes.
• Drive continuous improvement and maintain high engineering and quality standards.

Essential Skills & Experience

• An engineering degree specialising in propulsion; a specialisation in fluid mechanics would be an advantage.
• Approximately 10+ years of experience working on propulsion or fluid systems within the space, aerospace, or defence industries.
• Proven experience leading and managing engineering teams.
• Good knowledge of space propulsion.
• Good knowledge of the product development cycle.
• Experience managing project schedules, budgets, and technical deliverables.
• Fluent English language skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously whilst maintaining a strategic, big-picture perspective.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience supporting commercial proposals and project bids.
• French language skills.
• Experience working within a highly regulated engineering environment.

Application Process

If you have a strong background in propulsion engineering and are looking for an opportunity to lead a specialist team within the space sector, we’d be keen to hear from you. Please submit your CV for consideration.

Please note: All applications will be handled in the strictest confidence. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.