--- title: 'Propulsion System Layout Engineer at ispace, inc.' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/propulsion-system-layout-engineer-ispace-inc-tokyo-3pq3m1h065q5' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-08' --- # Propulsion System Layout Engineer at ispace, inc. - **Company:** ispace, inc. - **Location:** Tokyo, Japan - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** hybrid - **Posted:** 2026-06-19 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-08 - **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/ispace-inc/b1a6cf1f-1257-4a77-a5c5-167c35d7b5ea ## Job description Join ispace as a Propulsion Design Engineer and help shape the future of lunar exploration. We’re looking for a passionate engineer with broad experience in the mechanical design of spacecraft propulsion systems—someone excited about tackling complex technical challenges and contributing to missions that push the boundaries of what's possible in space. If you're eager to grow with a dynamic and ambitious team, we’d love to hear from you. Please note: Due to the large number of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Ideal candidate profile: The ideal candidate has strong system‑level engineering skills and practical knowledge of how to apply and integrate propulsion components into a lunar lander. Their strength lies in using components effectively within a spacecraft system rather than developing components from scratch. #LI-Hybrid ## Key responsibilities - Collaborate with other sub-system teams of Structure, Thermal, GNC, Avionics, Operation and AIT, supporting the lander propulsion design to a consistent system for current and future mission. - Support the propulsion team with technical point of view. Validate analysis and model in the propulsion team, provide hands-on feedback and modification plan, and intervene those technical tasks as showing a better alternative approach if necessary. Prepare the related technical reports, obtaining the approvals from the stakeholders. - Support propulsion design efforts for spacecraft system development with proposing practical applications such as trade-off studies, material, component, and manufacturing process selection while watching the feasibility in the project. - Find technical conflicts beyond the sub-system level and lead a solution through sub-system and system level discussions. - Support the creation and/or the maintenance of the spacecraft propulsion system relevant documents such as -sub-system requirement specification and sub-system design specification. - Support FMECA, launcher requirement, and the range safety related to the propulsion system. - Support the completion of the design reviews with closing the action items. - Support manufacturing, procurement, hardware assembly, integration, testing, and launch operation related to the propulsion system, which may include travel to the sites sometimes. - Evaluate component level and EPM tests related to the propulsion subsystem. Coordinate with suppliers if necessary. - Prepare operational plan and input to other sub-system teams of Avionics, Thermal, GNC, and Mission. - Report status and issues to the team lead and the group manager. - Support to build a strong team with effective communications in the team. - Maintain proactive coordination between the teams to balance and achieve project goal. - Perform 3D CAD-based layout design for integration of propulsion system components and piping. - Design for integration of multiple components within constrained spaces, considering the flow of pressurized gases and propellants, manufacturability, assembly, and testing. ## Minimum requirements - Minimum 5 years of experience in 3D CAD-based layout design, including integration of multiple components within constrained spaces. - Experience designing with manufacturability, assembly, and testing considerations in mind. - Experience in fluid system design. - Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. - Prior experience in spacecraft development is not required; candidates should be adaptable, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and eager to learn new technical domains. - Proactive attitude, strong sense of ownership, and ability to work effectively in a team environment. - Working-level English proficiency; business-level Japanese is a plus. ## Preferred Qualifications - Knowledge of mechanical design, stress analysis, material selection, and fabrication processes. - Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack-up analysis methods. - Experience coordinating with external manufacturers. - Experience in mass-production product development under structured design processes, including design reviews and quality control. - Knowledge of pressure drop analysis using dedicated software tools. - Experience with high-pressure fluid systems. - Business-level communication skills in English and Japanese. We will prioritize local candidates due to visa's requirements. For overseas candidates, visa sponsorship will be provided. This is not a remote position and would require any successful candidate to relocate. ## About ispace, inc. ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: ispace is a global lunar exploration company developing high-frequency, low-cost transportation services to the Moon and building the foundation for a sustainable cislunar economy. - **Entity Type**: Public (listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2023) - **Headquarters**: Tokyo, Japan (with offices in Denver, Colorado, USA and Luxembourg) - **Founded**: September 2010 - **Founders**: Takeshi Hakamada (Founder & CEO) ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Space exploration / Lunar transportation services - **Target customers**: B2B (space agencies, commercial payload operators, research organizations) - **Mission**: “Extend the sphere of human life into space and create a sustainable world by providing high-frequency, low-cost transportation services to the Moon.” ## Products & Services - **Lunar Lander Missions**: ispace designs, builds and operates robotic lunar landers. Current missions include “Mission 2.5” and the upcoming “Mission 3” featuring the new larger ULTRA lander. - **Payload Development & Integration**: Offers payload hosting and development services for lunar orbiting and landing missions. - **Lunar Surface Data**: Sale and survey of Moon surface data for research and commercial use. - **Space Resource R&D**: Research and development focused on utilizing lunar water resources. - **Marketing Support**: Supports space content industries with marketing services related to lunar activities. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed in provided sources (publicly listed, market cap fluctuates) - **Key Metric**: Total funding record – raised a record 10.35 billion yen in Series A in 2017 (private round). As a public company, revenue is reported but not listed in these materials. - **Notable Investors/Partners**: The company evolved from Team HAKUTO, a finalist in the Google Lunar XPRIZE. Global presence includes ispace technologies U.S. inc. and ispace Europe SA. - **Growth Signals**: - 317 employees as of March 31, 2025 - First Japanese space company to list on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (2023) - Multiple missions in the pipeline (Mission 2.5, Mission 3 with ULTRA lander) - Global offices in Japan, USA, and Luxembourg ## Competitive Advantages - **Early mover in commercial lunar services**: One of the few private companies with flight heritage (first mission launched in 2022). - **End‑to‑end lunar transportation**: Offers landers, payload integration, and data services – a vertically integrated lunar logistics provider. - **Global footprint**: Engineering and business presence across three continents enables access to diverse customers and talent. - **Heritage from Google Lunar XPRIZE**: Team HAKUTO experience provides technical and operational credibility. ## Strategic Focus ispace is focused on achieving high‑frequency, low‑cost lunar transportation to construct an Earth‑Moon economic zone. Key priorities include: - Launching Mission 2.5 and the larger ULTRA lander on Mission 3 - Developing space resource utilization (especially water on the Moon) - Expanding payload and data services to support a growing cislunar infrastructure - Scaling globally through its offices in Japan, the US, and Europe ## Why Work Here - **Diverse, inclusive culture**: As of December 2025, ispace reports ~24% non‑Japanese nationality and ~45% Japanese nationality, reflecting a commitment to global diversity. - **Mission‑driven team**: “Driven by a shared passion, our Crew of engineers, scientists and experts are shaping the future of space.” - **Work options**: Roles range from on‑site (Tokyo, Denver, Luxembourg) to hybrid (Tokyo CFO Office). Engineering roles include R&D, propulsion, GNC, and spacecraft systems. - **Fast‑growing organization**: 317 employees and growing, with a clear trajectory of missions and revenue expansion. - **Perks & culture**: Emphasis on inclusive hiring, professional development, and equitable pay; “true innovation comes when diverse viewpoints collaborate as equals.” ## Sources 1. [ispace Home Page](https://www.ispace-inc.com/) 2. [About Us – ispace](https://2022.ispace-inc.com/aboutus) 3. [Careers – ispace](https://www.ispace-inc.com/careers/) 4. [Career Overview – ispace](https://www.ispace-inc.com/career-overview/) 5. [Open Positions – ispace (Lever)](https://jobs.lever.co/ispace-inc) ## Other roles at ispace, inc. - [Cultural Development Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/cultural-development-specialist-ispace-inc-tokyo-drggmdfvwqbg) — Tokyo, Japan - [Senior Embedded Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-embedded-software-engineer-ispace-inc-tokyo-fgwwc6e7napr) — Tokyo, Japan - [Embedded Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/embedded-software-engineer-ispace-inc-tokyo-394fqkcg0qvq) — Tokyo, Japan - [Deputy Project Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/deputy-project-manager-ispace-inc-luxembourg-r3wpz7zd06m4) — Luxembourg - [Product Assurance Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/product-assurance-engineer-ispace-inc-luxembourg-a3dw8z8f5578) — Luxembourg - [General Affairs & Executive Assistant](https://feeny.ai/job/general-affairs-executive-assistant-ispace-inc-luxembourg-28h1mht11hn3) — Luxembourg - [Senior Consolidated Accounting Officer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-consolidated-accounting-officer-ispace-inc-tokyo-0caghgk0q9nb) — Tokyo, Japan - [IT Analyst – Engineering Applications](https://feeny.ai/job/it-analyst-engineering-applications-ispace-inc-tokyo-6c9zbr1bn06v) — Tokyo, Japan - [Legal Counsel](https://feeny.ai/job/legal-counsel-ispace-inc-englewood-7v2q6j9mczb6) — Englewood, CO - [Structural Analysis Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/structural-analysis-engineer-ispace-inc-tokyo-y3t1v37s4jxf) — Tokyo, Japan