Master thesis: Measuring and monitoring emissions from rocket engine testing

About the Position

Master thesis: Measuring and monitoring emissions from rocket engine testing

SSC Space is a global space company that enables organizations to access and operate in space. At Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden, we support activities ranging from scientific research to rocket engine testing. Join us for a master’s thesis combining hands-on technical work with environmental analysis and contribute to how we measure and monitor emissions from rocket engine tests!

Responsibilities

• Map relevant test configurations, propellants, operating conditions, existing instrumentation, available environmental data, and measurement constraints.
• Identify relevant emission components and environmental indicators. Propose sampling locations, instruments, analytical methods, calibration procedures, measurement frequency, and data-quality requirements.
• Prepare a measurement campaign and, subject to test availability and operational approval, carry out measurements during one or more rocket engine tests at Esrange.
• Process and evaluate the results, quantify measurement uncertainty, and compare test conditions where feasible.
• Propose practical methods and indicators for continued measurement, documentation, and reporting. If time and data quality allow, identify and assess potential measures to reduce emissions.

Requirements

• Enrolled in a relevant master’s program at a Swedish university or technical institute and eligible to undertake a master’s thesis.
• Strong technical foundation and an interest in sustainability and environmental performance.
• Comfortable with experimental work, instrumentation, measurement methods, and data analysis.
• Work methodically and can follow procedures in a safety-critical operational environment.
• Communicate clearly in English, both verbally and in writing. Swedish is an advantage.
• Take responsibility for your own tasks and collaborate effectively with others, including a thesis partner if working as a pair.

Nice to Have

• Experience in environmental engineering, sustainable technology, chemical engineering, energy engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, measurement technology, or applied physics.

We Offer

• An opportunity to apply your academic knowledge to a real technical challenge and help shape how SSC Space measures and evaluates emissions from future rocket engine tests.
• Work alongside experienced specialists, gain insight into rocket testing operations, and explore how technology, environmental performance, and sustainability connect within a global space company.
• An industrial supervisor from SSC Space and an academic supervisor from your university to support your thesis work.

About the Company

SSC Space is a global space company that enables organizations to access and operate in space. At Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden, we support activities ranging from scientific research to rocket engine testing.

Location

The project will be carried out primarily at Esrange Space Center, near Kiruna, Sweden. Some preparatory analysis and report writing may be possible remotely by agreement.

Next Steps

Please submit a joint or individual application including:

• Your CV, or both CVs if applying together.
• A short description of relevant coursework and technical experience.
• A brief motivation explaining your interest in rocket engine testing, noise measurements, and environmental performance.

If applying individually, please indicate whether you already have a thesis partner.

Application deadline: 2026-12-31

Planned project period: Q1–Q2 2027

For questions about the project, please contact Juan Garcia-Lisbona at [email protected]. Please note that this email address is for enquiries only. Applications must be submitted through our recruitment system and will not be accepted by email.

The final scope will be refined together with the selected students and their academic supervisor to align with academic requirements, operational opportunities, and the available measurement campaign.