Propulsion System Senior Architect [Nyx Earth]

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 endeavors.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Propulsion System Senior Architect to support the design and development of Nyx Earth storable propulsion system.

The successful candidate will be responsible for defining system requirements, consolidating the propulsion system architecture, performing the safety analysis, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal performance, safety, and reliability of the propulsion system.

Key responsibilities:

• Developing the overall system architecture for the storable propulsion system.

• Defining and managing propulsion system specifications, ensuring coherency with higher-level capsule system specifications and lower-level component-level specifications.

• Ensuring compliance with spacecraft industry standards and regulations, including ECSS, NASA, or ISO, while managing stakeholder requirements.

• Driving trade studies to select optimal technologies, redundancy strategies, materials, and system configurations.

• Driving risk assessment analyses and developing mitigation actions to ensure system reliability and safety, including worst-case and fault-tolerant scenarios.

• Working hand in hand within the propulsion team with functional and mechanical teams to support the architecture decisions.

• Working hand in hand with GNC, Avionic, Vehicle Design, Thermal, and MAIT teams to optimize the overall system performance.

• Supporting the development of system-level integration and test procedures, ensuring efficient assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) processes for propulsion systems.

• Preparing technical documentation, including design reports, requirements specifications, and interface control documents.

What we would love to see from you:

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (Advanced degree is preferred).

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in spacecraft propulsion system design, RAMS analysis, and testing.

• Experience in storable bi-propellant propulsion system (desirable).

• Expertise in propulsion system design, including chemical, electric, or hybrid propulsion technologies.

• Experience integrating and safely operating propulsion systems under demanding environmental conditions, such as thermal vacuum and vibration loads.

• In-depth understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and propellant management systems, including high-pressure.

• Proficiency in engineering software tools for simulation (e.g, Ecosim, Amesim, Python programming) is an asset.

• Strong familiarity with spacecraft assembly and integration processes, as well as testing methods such as hot-fire tests and thrust stand measurements.

• Fluency in English

• 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.

• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of 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.