Valves Development Engineer [Orbital Vehicle]

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 System Functional Engineer, you will be responsible for maturing the propulsion fluid system's functional design and performance models from preliminary to detailed design, and for driving the architecture trades, verification, and requirements work that keep the system compliant, safe, and traceable. ROLE OVERVIEW FLUID SYSTEM DESIGN & FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS * Mature the overall fluid system from detailed design to qualification by leading the functional analysis of the assembly * Lead your own analysis tasks using advanced simulation tools, and provide outputs to other fluid analysts and functional engineers in selecting appropriate methodologies, assumptions, and data processing methods. * Ensure functional analysis outputs feed directly into design maturity, keeping the fluid system design compliant and traceable as it advances toward detailed design. System Architecture & Trade Studies * Contribute to the evaluation and optimization of propulsion system concepts in terms of performance, mass, operations, cost, and reliability/safety. * Support development and qualification ground platform designs * Contribute to ground platforms and flight simulations, sensitivity analyses, and risk assessments. Performance Modeling & Verification & Validation * Develop and maintain functional performance models of propulsive systems using simulation frameworks such as EcosimPro and Python-based codes. * Validate and anchor models against available test data. * Plan and execute the V&V plan for the fluid subsystem, including analysis and test campaigns to verify subsystem performance and requirements compliance. Failure Analysis, Sequencing & Requirements Management * Contribute to FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to ensure the system architecture is consistent with reliability and safety targets. * Support the Concept of Operations of the Functional Propulsion System in accordance with engine needs and constraints. * Contribute to functional requirements for subsystems such as valves, and tanks based on propulsion system analyses. 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 * Master’s and/or PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field * Proven experience with 0D - 1D fluid simulation tools (model development and analyses) - (e.g., EcosimPro, Amesim) * Deep understanding of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and compressible flow * Experience with storable propulsion system is a plus * Fluency in English; proficiency in Italian, German or 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 are also developing different types of propulsion systems to power our future vehicles and missions. As a talented Test Development Engineer, you will be responsible for the development of test facilities for our future propulsion systems. Key Responsibilities: In your capacity as a Test Development Engineer, your role will be continuously evolving, but day to day your duties will include: * Synthesise test bench requirements from user and operator needs and plan required verification methods and tests. * Preparing P&IDs of test facilities based on test bench requirements, selecting components and undertaking CAD design of the ground support equipment with minimal oversight. * Undertake hazard assessments of the test facility design (FMEA and HAZOPs) to determine if any additional changes to the design are required. * Perform technical trade-offs to determine the best choice of hardware, software, equipment, component, location etc for various test facilities. * Autonomously leading risk assessment analyses for future tests and developing mitigation actions to ensure personnel and hardware safety; developing clear procedures and guidelines to improve company processes. * Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts and configuration files required for test facilities, particularly those required for the entry-into-service and commissioning phase of the system. * Selecting control and data acquisition systems based on test requirements and support commissioning activities to ensure the proper working order of these systems. * Lead and coordinate end-to-end activities of the development of test facilities including design, reviews, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, test operations, ongoing upgrades and maintenance. * Work with procurement, AIT and design teams during the development of test facilities to find the right balance of technical solutions, cost and lead time. * Collaborate with others to troubleshoot test anomalies and tackle challenging engineering problems. * Presenting findings to team members and participating in design reviews and project discussions. What we would love to see from you: * Bachelor's, master's or PhD in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field (Master’s and above preferred). * 2–5 years of experience in propulsion or related fields. * Hands on experience with test bench design and development, especially for cryogenic rocket engine testing. * Experience in testing or test development in other related fields (e.g. liquid hydrogen) will also be considered. * Background in cryogenic propellants and cryogenic systems will be a big plus. * Experience undertaking detailed risk and hazard assessments for testing activities. * Exposure to the process of obtaining environmental analysis for test facilities is also a plus. * Experience using CAD Software (Siemens NX, CATIA, or similar) to develop and manage complex assemblies. * Familiarity with data acquisition and control systems and how to select appropriate hardware based on requirements. * Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities. * Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences. 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.