Thermal Protection System 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.

We want you as a talented Thermal Protection System Engineer to help us in our mission by supporting the Aerothermal and TPS unit in TPS design and development for our future fleet of vehicles. You will report to the Aerothermal Principal Engineer and closely work with the Vehicle Design Team as well as MAIT.

Key Responsibilities

As a Thermal Protection Systems Engineer, you will be part of a small team responsible for the design and development of thermal protection systems for a reentry capsule. 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:

• Provide technical expertise and guidance to the team, ensuring the implementation of best practices and innovative solutions.

• Collaborate closely with other engineering disciplines, such as mechanical, materials, and systems engineering, to integrate the thermal protection systems seamlessly into the overall design.

• Develop and refine thermal protection design concepts, considering factors such as ablative materials, insulation, and cooling mechanisms.

• Oversee the creation of detailed design specifications, drawings, and documentation for the thermal protection systems.

• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and safety requirements in all aspects of thermal protection design.

• Support testing and validation activities to verify the performance and effectiveness of the thermal protection systems.

• Integrate instrumentation and post flight analysis at early stage of TPS design.

• Follow up on TPS subsystems manufacturing and delivery from suppliers.

• Support non-conformity reports and optimization of solution adaptations.

What we would love to see from you

• 3- 5 years working experience in aerothermal engineering, specifically in the design of thermal protection systems for reentry capsules or spacecraft.

• In-depth knowledge of aerodynamics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and material science relevant to atmospheric reentry.

• Knowledge in engineering software and tools used for aerothermal analysis and simulations is a plus.

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

• Familiarity with relevant industry standards, regulations, and safety requirements for aerospace thermal protection systems.

• Strong communication skills to effectively convey technical concepts and lead discussions with stakeholders.

• Project management experience, including managing schedules, resources, and budgets.

• 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 an TPS Engineer 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.