[Nyx Earth] Propulsion CFD Engineer

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. As a talented Propulsion CAD Engineer, you will be responsible for the detailed 3D modeling, drawing production, and documentation of propulsion system components and subsystems, working closely with design, thermal, structural, and manufacturing teams to turn requirements into buildable, well-controlled hardware. ROLE OVERVIEW CAD Modeling & Design Development * Create complex 3D models of propulsion components and subsystems using CAD software (Siemens NX). * Produce schematics and technical drawings that other engineers and technicians can follow, and present designs clearly, explaining complex aspects in simple terms when needed. * Support estimation of component mass, cost and lead time from CAD models and drawings. Documentation & Configuration Control * Create and maintain the documentation essential for manufacturing or assembly, including bills of materials (BOM), assembly instructions, and technical reports. * Ensure configuration management and version control of CAD models and drawings, keeping the master model and released drawing set consistent and traceable. * Develop new tools and workflows to improve CAD, documentation, and configuration management processes across the design office. Cross-Functional Design Collaboration * Collaborate closely with designers, thermal and structural analysts, and materials and manufacturing engineers to refine designs. * Incorporate multidisciplinary feedback to improve functionality, manufacturability, and efficiency without compromising design intent. * Support design iterations quickly and accurately so analysis and manufacturing teams can work from a stable, up-to-date model. Standards Compliance & Design Verification * Verify that designs comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies (e.g., ISO standards, ANSI, or other relevant guidelines). * Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) correctly to ensure drawings communicate functional intent, not just geometry. * Check designs for manufacturability, inspectability, and compliance before release, catching errors and inconsistencies before they reach the shop floor. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES LOCATION You will perform your duties principally at the Company's premises in Bordeaux and may be required to travel from time to time to our company’s premises in Munich in the course of your duties. WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU * Minimum of a B.S. degree in engineering and 3+ years of related experience. * Proficiency in CAD software such as Siemens NX or similar. * Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T). * Experience on tubing and brackets design constraints, manufacturing processes and inspection is a plus * Attention to detail and ability to spot errors or inconsistencies in drawings and designs. * Strong understanding of engineering standards, manufacturing processes, and analysis principles. * Fundamental knowledge of structural design, stability, and fatigue failure mechanisms.. * Fluent in English. German and French are an asset. Skills and Behaviors: * A hands-on approach to problem-solving, combined with a collaborative mindset to work across multidisciplinary teams * Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask * Capability of working autonomously whilst collaborating productively with remote teams * Positive and flexible attitude in a constantly evolving environment * Grit to get the job done * Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences * Behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Commitment, Innovation, Trust, Quality, and Teamwork 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.   All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible. If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.

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. We want you as a talented Propulsion Thermal Engineer to support the design, analysis, and validation of thermal behavior within Nyx Earth propulsion system. The role focuses on evaluating heat transfer phenomena associated with thruster operation, including heat soak back effects and thermal interactions between closely integrated propulsion components. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES In your capacity as Propulsion Thermal Engineer, your role will be continuously evolving, but day to day your duties will include: * Thermal analysis of thruster interaction with the system * Perform detailed thermal analyses of spacecraft thrusters during steady-state and transient phases. * Assess and justify transient heat soak back effects following thruster shutdown, including impact on surrounding structures and components. * Develop thermal models to predict temperature evolution in propulsion subsystem. * Support and propose design decisions to mitigate adverse thermal interactions. * Modeling & Simulation * Build and correlate thermal mathematical models (Thermal Desktop, ...). * Conduct transient and steady-state simulations. * Perform sensitivity analyses and trade-offs. * Verification & Validation * Support thermal test campaigns (component and system level). * Correlate analytical models with test data. * Documentation & Reviews * Produce technical reports to support design reviews (CDR, QR). * Interface with propulsion, mechanical, and system engineering teams. WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU * Master’s degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with specialization in thermal sciences. * Experience with propulsion system thermal justification * Strong understanding of: * Heat transfer (conduction, radiation, convection where applicable) * Transient thermal behavior * High-temperature material behavior * Experience with thermal analysis tools (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT). * Programming/scripting skills (Python, MATLAB) for automation. * Knowledge of spacecraft propulsion systems * Familiarity with ECSS or NASA thermal standards. * Experience in spacecraft development lifecycle. * Cross-disciplinary collaboration * Technical reporting and communication 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.   All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible. If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.