Storm Test Bench Principal Engineer

Department: MAIT

Location: Bordeaux, France

Employment Type: FullTime

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building spacecrafts for humanity.

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 which carries cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

We are seeking an experienced and talented Storm Test Bench Principal Engineer, to lead the development of one of the most powerful European cryogenic test bench for 2.5MN class engines.

This is a key leadership role that requires deep technical expertise in liquid-propellant propulsion systems, a proven track record managing complex engineering projects, and experience leading and mentoring technical teams. As Storm Test Bench Principal Engineer, you will ensure that test bench development is carried out safely, efficiently and with technical rigor, from design through commissioning and system-level testing. You will provide technical direction to the testing team, coordinate priorities and resources, resolve complex technical issues, and ensure the test bench meets its performance, quality, schedule and safety objectives.

The role combines technical leadership, people leadership and hands-on involvement in preparing and executing complex cryogenic propulsion test campaigns.

Key Responsibilities / Tasks:

• Provide overall technical leadership for the test bench development

• Define and maintain the development approach, philosophy, plans and technical execution strategy

• Ensure that test bench capabilities are aligned with system requirements, design intent, verification objectives and programme milestones

• Lead the technical assessment and resolution of complex test problems, including test anomalies, hardware issues, instrumentation problems and system performance deviations

• Coordinate the investigation of anomalies and ensure that root-cause analysis, corrective actions and retest activities are properly managed

• Ensure that the test bench design performed in accordance with applicable safety rules, operational constraints and approved procedures

• Support the development of the teams through coaching, technical guidance and constructive feedback

• Build a culture of ownership, disciplined execution, continuous improvement and learning from experience

• Contribute to integrated project planning, including test schedules, resource requirements, facility usage and major test milestones

• Identify technical, operational and schedule risks related to test activities and ensure that mitigation actions are defined and implemented

• Ensure compliance with company processes and applicable regulatory requirements for cryogenic propulsion test activities

• Promote a strong safety culture, particularly for activities involving cryogenic propellants, high pressure, hazardous energy and propulsion test operations

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, propulsion engineering or a related technical discipline

• Proven professional experience (5+ years) in spacecraft, launch vehicle, aircraft, industrial gas, energy or another relevant high-technology environment

• Experience in cryogenic propulsion systems testing

• Proven experience leading engineering teams and coordinating multidisciplinary technical activities

• Experience with cryogenic systems, liquid propulsion, pressurised systems, fluid systems or related test operations

• Experience planning and executing complex test campaigns from test preparation through final reporting

• Demonstrated ability to lead technical investigations and resolve test anomalies using structured problem-solving methods

• Experience working with test facilities, ground support equipment, instrumentation and data acquisition systems

• Capacity to travel to test sites and partner facilities as required

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Fluent professional English. French will be an advantage

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.