Propulsion Units Development Principal 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.

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 endeavours.

We want you as a talented Propulsion Units Development Principal Engineer to help us in our mission by leading the development activities for the liquid storable propulsion units we will develop in-house.

You will report to the Propulsion Lead.

Key responsibilities:

• Team Leadership:

  • Build and lead a team of propulsion unit development engineers for the propulsion units we will develop in-house, in particular thrusters, propellant tanks and solenoid valves.

  • Foster a collaborative environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement.

  • Promote and develop the skills and capabilities of your team members through mentorship, professional development opportunities, and performance reviews.

  • Ensure high levels of cooperation and technical proficiency within the propulsion units development team.

• Storable Propulsion Units Development:

  • Elaborate and implement the development roadmaps for the propulsion units, fostering agile development through design-build-test iteration cycles.

  • Lead the design, development, and testing of storable propulsion units for Nyx Earth, ensuring they meet safety, performance, and reliability requirements.

  • Continuously evaluate and improve propulsion units to meet changing mission needs and incorporate new technologies.

  • Get hands-on by contributing to the propulsion units design as needed.

• Project Management:

  • Manage the propulsion units development team to ensure timely delivery of propulsion units.

  • Define project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders.

  • Develop project schedules, resource plans, and budgets while maintaining consistency with timelines and cost constraints.

  • Oversee risk management by identifying potential challenges and developing mitigation strategies.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Collaborate with the Nyx Earth propulsion system team and with other teams and departments such as avionics, GNC, vehicle design, AIT and systems engineering to ensure seamless integration of the propulsion units within the propulsion system and with other spacecraft systems.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement:

  • Stay up-to-date with advancements in propulsion technologies and drive innovation within the team.

  • Identify opportunities for process improvements, cost reductions, and performance enhancements.

What we would love to see from you:

• Extensive experience in designing, developing, and testing storable propulsion units for spacecraft.

• Demonstrated experience working on one or more propulsion units development programs through part of the lifecycle, from concept through sustained operations.

• Strong understanding of liquid storable propulsion systems for spacecraft.

• Hands-on end-to-end project experience building complex components.

• Strong leadership and management skills, capable of leading a geographically distributed team and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality products.

• Excellent collaboration skills for working effectively across departments to achieve seamless system integration.

• Fluency in English.

Skills and Behaviours:

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Strong analysis and problem-solving skills.

• Strong organizing and prioritization of tasks.

• Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done.

• Ability to communicate at all levels of the business.

• Demonstrates behaviours consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Mission, Vision, Integrity, Excellence and Teamwork.

• Space enthusiast, ready to change the European space industry.

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.