It’s exciting to be part of a company that has massive vision - Johann Joubert.

Johann is our Head of In-Space Propulsion. He leads a team of 50+ talented engineers across our Delft and Christchurch offices, responsible for designing, manufacturing, assembling, and delivering our nitrous-based propulsion systems to our customers.

What did you study?

I come from an engineering/computer science household, so I was always interested in tech. When other kids played cricket after school, I cycled to the library and took out books on programming.

When it came time to enroll in university, my software skills were already pretty good, good enough that I could teach myself, so I chose electrical engineering as something to complement my skills.

How did you get here?

I started with hands-on technical roles in mining and military industries – designing electronics and software.

I was then offered a role in a satellite training programme with Space Advisory Company. I didn't know anything about satellites – I was basically trying to figure out the problem before they could figure it out. That's where both my space career and my management career started - helping people solve their own problems, giving them structures to be able to do that, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and working with strengths.

I went on to be the first employee in South Africa for New Space Systems. Looking back, that was a trial by fire. Starting with nothing but a blank sheet of paper, I had to set up systems and policies, hire people and work out how to motivate people. I was the Engineering Manager but if there was a problem in manufacturing I'd go there, an issue with IT, I'd sort it out, etc - whatever it took to get products out the door.

It was terrifying and exciting at the same time.

What are some of the biggest lessons you've learned along the way?

Sometimes you have to grab opportunities.

For example, before interviewing with Space Advisory Company there was a slight miscommunication. I was under the impression it was in the Western Cape of South Africa, and I was excited because I was really into mountain biking at the time. I found out in the interview it was actually in the Middle East….this was not part of my plan. But I thought about it overnight and decided to go for it.

I also returned to South Africa after two years to pursue a relationship with someone I'd met on a trip home, and I'm now married to her with two kids! That was a mixture of fate and luck because it led to the job at New Space Systems which was a magic opportunity.

Second, never give up. Make a plan, execute, learn from it, and adjust.

When my wife and I decided to move to Europe, I was looking for a management role in a space company. But even though I had 20 years experience, some European companies prefer managers to have their Masters. And then covid struck and we were stuck in South Africa, so I decided to use that time to further my studies. By the time the world opened up again, I had a Masters but there were no management jobs available. So, I changed tack and applied for individual technical roles which got my foot in the door in Europe and ultimately led to Dawn.

Third, if you do a good job, prove your worth, and keep your relationships strong, you create opportunities for yourself.

Best day on the job?

Honestly, getting this Head of Department role. The role utilizes my skills perfectly and it's great to be in a company that has massive vision and is doing truly revolutionary things. I'm excited about making this department the best it can be.

The second best was watching the Mk-II under rocket-powered flight. You could hear this thing going off and I thought, wow, this is real. This is going to happen. And it was pretty cool.

In your retirement speech, what do you hope people will say about your career?

In your mid-career, your focus changes from yourself to others. As I'm standing on the shoulders of giants, I hope to help people stand on my shoulders to do great things that I won't be able to do.

How do you relax outside of work?

I have two young boys so currently, it's playing Lego and running around after them.

Star Trek or Star Wars?

Star Wars, absolutely.

Last supper meal?

Hawaiian pizza.

World, sporting, or concert event that you'd travel back in time for?

The moon landing. That changed everything about what humans thought was possible in the universe.

If you’d like to work for Dawn, please check out our open roles.