Overview

By joining Alpha Impulsion as a propulsion intern in the Naples office, you will take part in the development of our research model for our launcher GARNET.

You will participate in the design of the thrust chamber, fluid lines, combustible fuselage, autophage insertion mechanism and ground support equipments of the engine, from early concept and test plan to design justification and component procurement, leading to the integration of the test stand and its operation after you internship, should you choose to continue with the team.

You will conduct component trade analyses and thermomechanical simulation, build sizing tools and a dynamic model of the system, contribute to prediction of the operating range and help elevate autophage propulsion toward flight performance. You will build a unique rocket engine and contribute to the hybrid propulsion research field, participating in the publication of your results.

Your first project here

Alpha Impulsion is beginning the development of a research engine for a major contract with the Campania region. This ambitious system aims to enable the development of our launcher engine, and its impact might change the way mini-launchers are built, demonstrating performance up to twice that of current propulsion technologies. You will embark on a young project, with the opportunity to build it from start to qualification and exploitation.

Your key responsibilities

As part of your missions, you will be entrusted with the following responsibilities:

Design and justification of mechanical components and interfaces, fluidic lines, pressurised vessels, sealing solutions, thrust chamber, and data acquisition architecture. Your specific contribution partly depends on your profile.
Collaborate on 3D CAD modelling (Siemens NX) and detailed drawing production for aerospace parts.
Support Finite Element Analysis (Siemens Simcenter) and structural simulations under representative test loads
Evaluate and select suppliers and manufacturing processes, including composites and additive manufacturing.
Document analyses and design choices in line with industry best practices and project requirements.

What we would appreciate most

Education:

Enrolled in the last year of master’s degree or engineering school, you have a passion for space technologies.
Training in hybrid rocket propulsion.

Experience:

Rocketry club or past projects related to the development of a rocket engine or test stand.

Any practical experience with development of complex systems.

Skills:

Applied knowledge of 0D / 1D thermo-mechanical analyses.

Knowledge of FEM methods (SimCenter) and/or CFD (StarCCM+) appreciated.
Knowledge of internal combustion processes.
Sensitivity to safety processes applied to space propulsion.

Analytical skills, scientific rigor, and ability to report in traceable technical documentation.

Professional English required. Italian and/or French appreciated.

Why you should join us

Why we think you will enjoy working with us, what makes Alpha Impulsion unique:

We are building something that does not exist. No amount of technical experience can answer all questions. When tests and feedback are the only path forward, you will find new approaches and define the future of propulsion technology.
Your work is your own. Each member owns designs and ideas, we all take chances. You are the one to solve the problem, because it’s yours to begin with. You have a significant input in all aspects of your mission, from concept to design to method to test and lessons learned.
We have a driving mission. It keeps us strong and united. “Clean and personalised access to space for everyone” is, for sure, the tenth time today that you read an attempt to say “democratising space” elegantly. Our difference: we are making a technological bet to halve environmental impacts of propulsion and divide by six its cost, while preventing orbital debris at the source. Not convinced? Look for our conference papers.
Open for hiring. We are looking for the opportunity to evolve this collaboration into a permanent position.

If you thrive on challenge, take on a new one and join the crew.

Propulsion intern

Design an autophage hybrid propulsion test bench from concept to manufacturing readiness.