Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.
The heart of a spacecraft lies in its propulsion system, and that's why we, at The Exploration Company, are dedicated to developing our own cutting-edge Propulsion Systems ensuring the highest level of efficiency and reliability in our space endeavours.
We want you as a talented Thruster Assembly Development Engineer to help us in our mission by developing, qualifying and supporting the production of our bipropellant thrusters.
In your capacity as a Thruster Assembly Development Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, development and qualification of our bipropellant thruster and you will support the production of the flight units.
You will report to the Propulsion Units Development Principal Engineer.
Key responsibilities:
During the design, development and qualification of the bi-propellant thruster:
Defining the technical requirements (including GNC requirements and mechanical, thermal and electrical interfaces), cost budget and schedule for the development, qualification and recurring production of the flight units.
Elaborating and implementing the development and qualification plan, promoting a rapid design-build-test iteration cycle approach.
Performing engineering calculations, simulations, and trade studies to evaluate performance metrics such as thrust, specific impulse, combustion stability and efficiency, injector stiffness, and film cooling ratio.
Conducting conceptual, preliminary and detailed design activities (combustion, fluidic, mechanical), ensuring compliance with performances, lifetime and reusability requirements and specified standards while promoting design-to-cost, design-to-manufacture and design-to-reusability.
Supporting activities for the mechanical and thermal accommodation of the thruster within the spacecraft, including encapsulation.
Identifying and selecting materials and MAIT processes, including 3D printing, and supporting the MAIT team to define the most efficient industrialization plan.
Preparing and supporting parts manufacturing and assembly of the development and qualification models.
Preparing and leading the development and qualification test campaigns (functional, environments and hot firing), analysing test data to ensure thrusters meet or exceed performance and using the acquired knowledge to improve subsequent designs.
Preparing comprehensive technical documentation, including drawings, design reports, test plans, and test reports.
Preparing and leading design and qualification reviews.
Presenting findings and project updates to stakeholders, customers, and senior management.
Providing mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers and interns.
Staying updated on advancements in propulsion technologies and contributing to the development of novel thruster concepts.
Support proposal development for new programs and R&D initiatives.
During the production of the flight units:
Support the MAIT team during manufacturing and acceptance testing, including review of manufacturing files and test results, timely resolution of any non-conformance and participation in manufacturing and testing reviews.
Planning and executing acceptance hot-firing test campaigns.
Establishing and maintaining trend analyses to continuously monitor the critical performances of the product.
Continuously identify, implement, and validate design evolutions and improvements.
What we would love to see from you:
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s or Ph.D. preferred).
3+ years of experience in liquid bipropellant thruster development, or related fields.
Demonstrated success in leading complex development projects, from concept to deployment.
Expertise in propulsion chemistry, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
Proficiency in simulation tools (e.g., CEA, MATLAB, ANSYS, or similar).
Proficiency in Python programming language.
Proficiency in CAD software (Siemens NX, CATIA, or similar) and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.
Why you should join us!
What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:
We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind
We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them
We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?
We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.
The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.
