At Orbital Paradigm, we develop autonomous reentry capsules for routine, fast-return transport from orbit, supporting in-space manufacturing, science, and logistics.
We’re seeking a Junior Materials Engineer to help develop our thermal protection material, a key technology for our vehicles. You’ll work from lab-scale development to system integration, collaborating with engineering teams to deliver solutions.
This hands-on role focuses on lab work, material analysis, and process development, ideal for someone with a background in materials, chemistry, or physics who enjoys experimentation and wants to grow in a high-impact space project.
Your Responsibilities
* Lead laboratory work for material processing and development.
* Define and maintain lab protocols and workflows.
* Explore and optimize processing techniques for ceramic/glass-based materials.
* Analyze and interpret material behavior throughout the development stages.
* Support material characterization and performance validation.
* Contribute to production scale-up and integration into the final system.
* Document results and communicate findings to the team.
* Collaborate with internal and external partners across different disciplines.
1. Your Profile
We’re looking for a hands-on, analytical professional who is comfortable working in a lab and taking ownership of experimental work.
* Master’s degree in Engineering (Materials, Chemical), or Science (Chemistry, Physics) with a focus on materials.
* Hands-on experience or academic training in ceramic and/or glass material design (e.g., suspension/slurry formation, powder/fiber processing, casting, sintering…)
* Familiarity with chemical and/or material characterization techniques (IPC, DLS, spectroscopies, XRD, SEM, DSC, TGA...).
* Strong laboratory skills and experimental mindset.
* Critical thinking, autonomy, and attention to detail.
* Fluent in English.
Ideal experience
* Familiarity with of ceramic casting and powder/fiber processing techniques
* Knowledge of glass formulation or synthesis
* Up to 2 years in a similar role or research project
* Mechanical or thermal characterization of material properties
* Experience in space-related materials or thermal protection systems
What We Offer
* Location: Madrid, Spain
* Remote: Hybrid (+ 2 fully remote weeks/year)
* Be part of a fast-growing space startup with real responsibilities.
* 30 vacation days (23 flexible, +7 during holidays).
* Company shares plan
* Opportunities to grow with the company.
* Possibility to pursue an industrial PhD.