Principal Engineer – Test Systems Software

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 are looking for a Mission Operations Training Engineer to build, own, and execute our end-to-end mission operations training program. In this role, you will be the technical authority for operations training across the program, embedding with our software, engineering, flight operations, and recovery teams to ensure both our personnel and the astronaut crews are fully prepared. As a Simulation Supervisor, you will work directly with the Ground Software and Flight Software teams to ensure fault-injection logic and training capabilities are built into the simulator architecture. Key Responsibilities * Own the training concept of operations, certification pipelines, and long-term training plans for flight controllers and ISS crews * Author and maintain the core curriculum, lesson plans, and instructional materials that translate vehicle engineering into operational proficiency * Script, orchestrate, and execute high-fidelity nominal and off-nominal simulation campaigns as Simulation Supervisor * Partner with Ground Software and Flight Software teams to ensure fault-injection capabilities and training requirements are built into the simulator architecture * Coordinate with subsystem engineers, Mission Directors, and external partners (ESA, NASA, CNES) to keep training aligned with current procedures * Incorporate flight anomalies, test failures, and operational lessons learned into simulator capabilities, training flows, and vehicle design * Mentor and grow junior training engineers and simulation controllers What we would love to see from you: The ideal candidate will have: * Master’s degree in an engineering or science discipline. * 8+ years of experience in spacecraft mission operations training or a comparable high-risk operations environment * Hands-on experience scripting and running simulation campaigns as a Simulation Supervisor, console operator, or equivalent role * Experience working directly with software development teams to define, review, and accept simulator capabilities or modeling environments * Technical knowledge of common spacecraft systems (GNC, avionics, propulsion, life support) * Demonstrated ability to translate complex systems engineering into operational training curricula and procedures Bonus qualifications: * Experience developing training for ISS crewmembers or human spaceflight missions * Background in custom simulation tooling, fault-injection scripting, or telemetry display environments * Prior certification as a flight controller. * Direct experience with NASA, ESA, or equivalent partners on joint training plans and operational products * Mentorship experience with junior engineers while remaining a significant individual contributor 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. As a talented Propulsion CFD Engineer, you will be responsible for the computational fluid dynamics analysis of propulsion system components and thruster plumes, providing the flow physics insight that underpins component design, thruster performance, and vehicle-level integration decisions. ROLE OVERVIEW CFD Analysis & Component Simulation * Perform CFD simulations of propulsion components — valves, regulators, orifices, injectors, feed lines — to characterize internal flow, pressure drop, and flow-induced loads. * Support design trade studies by predicting component-level performance across the operating envelope, in both steady-state and transient conditions. * Identify and help resolve flow anomalies such as cavitation, choking, or flow separation that affect component performance. Plume Characterization & Thruster Performance * Model thruster plume characterization, from near-field continuum expansion through far-field rarefied flow, including relevant gas dynamics effects. * Assess plume-induced thermal, contamination, and force/torque effects on adjacent subsystems and vehicle surfaces. * Support thruster and nozzle design by predicting performance parameters such as thrust coefficient and specific impulse from CFD. Cross-Functional Design Collaboration * Work closely with propulsion design engineers and structural and thermal analysts to translate CFD results into actionable design inputs and margins. * Communicate CFD findings and their implications clearly to multidisciplinary teams and program stakeholders. * Support system-level trades on component sizing, thruster placement, and plume shielding for vehicle interfaces. Model Validation, Tools & Documentation * Validate and correlate CFD models against test data — cold-flow testing, hot-fire testing, plume diagnostics — to build and maintain model confidence. * Maintain and improve CFD simulation workflows, meshing practices, and tools to improve turnaround time and consistency across the design office. * Produce clear technical reports and analysis documentation supporting design reviews and certification. 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 * M.S. or Ph.D. in aerospace or a related field, with 3+ years of hands-on CFD experience relevant to propulsion or fluid dynamics. * Proficiency with CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, or equivalent. * Experience modeling compressible, multiphase, and/or rarefied gas flows relevant to propulsion valves and thruster plumes. * Familiarity with plume characterization methods such as DSMC or continuum-rarefied coupling is a strong plus. * Strong grounding in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and gas dynamics fundamentals. * Experience correlating CFD predictions against test data. * Familiarity with scripting or automation (Python, MATLAB) for meshing, post-processing, or workflow automation. * 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.