AeroThermal Expert

Department: Engineering

Location: Bordeaux, France, Turin, Italy

Employment Type: FullTime

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 talented AeroThermal Expert to support the definition of aerodynamic and aerothermal environments and the development of Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) for our future fleet of vehicles. You will report to the Aerothermal Team Leader Engineer and closely work with the Vehicle Design Team as well as MAIT.

Key Responsibilities

As an AeroThermal Expert, you will be part of a small team responsible for the aerodynamic and aerothermal justification of Nyx reentry capsule, especially specifying the environmental sizing cases for its Thermal Protection Systems. You will hence play a critical role in guaranteeing the successful atmospheric reentry of the capsule, ensuring the safety and integrity of the spacecraft and its payloads and subsystems.

You are expected to:

• Lead the technical decisions making process for aerodynamic and aerothermal related topics through an efficient collaborative approach, based on technical excellence

• Challenge the unit work logic and planning, identify main risks and associated mitigation actions

• Own the definition of the aerothermal environment for atmospheric re-entry (convective and radiative heating, catalytic effects, boundary layer transition modeling, etc.).

• Define and validate numerical methodologies, drive design trades and support design decisions.

• Interface with internal stakeholders (TPS, Structures, GNC, MAIT, and other engineering disciplines) and external suppliers (WTT suppliers, manufacturers, etc.).

• Define instrumentation strategies and flight data analysis plans.

• Support technical reviews (PDR, CDR, QR).

• Define test matrices and ensure correlation between test results and numerical models.

• Manage non-conformities and support root cause analyses.

• Work autonomously on technical activities and deliver high-quality results on schedule.

• Produce clear and structured technical documentation, including analysis reports and design justifications.

• Adapt effectively to fast team dynamics and high speed of execution

What we would love to see from you

• 10+ years working experience in aerodynamics and aerothermal engineering for re-entry vehicles.

• Strong knowledge of aerodynamics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, relevant to atmospheric reentry.

• Experience in Hypersonic CFD, Boundary layer transition modeling,

• Experience with rarefied flow regime simulations.

• Experience correlating Plasma tests, Arc-jet campaigns, and Flight data (if available)

• Experience in material response, material science, ablation modeling, TPS architecture definition is a plus

• Strong systems-level understanding of re-entry vehicles.

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to address complex challenges.

• Strong communication skills to effectively convey technical concepts and lead discussions with internal and external stakeholders from all backgrounds.

• Risk management experience, including identification, anticipation and mitigation of the risks.

• A commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in aerospace thermal protection technologies and methodologies.

Joining our team as Aerothermal Expert offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the cutting-edge development of reentry capsules and ensure the safe return of spacecraft from space missions. You will be part of a dynamic and collaborative environment, working alongside talented engineers and professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of space exploration

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.