High-Thrust Engine Chief Engineer (Technical Authority)

High-Thrust Engine Chief Engineer (Technical Authority)

Join to apply for the High-Thrust Engine Chief Engineer (Technical Authority) role at The Exploration Company .

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 seeking a High-Thrust Engine Chief Engineer to lead the technical vision, architecture, and strategic direction of the Storm program, our next‑gen high‑thrust cryogenic rocket engine using LOX/LCH4.

You will be the technical authority for the high‑thrust engine development program, responsible for ensuring technical coherence across all domains and aligning engineering execution with company goals and mission objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership and Vision – Define and communicate the technical vision and roadmap for the Storm propulsion system in collaboration with the High Thrust Engine Lead.
• System Architecture Ownership – Serve as the primary owner of the Storm system architecture, ensuring optimal integration across propulsion, structures, avionics, and operations.
• Mentorship and Technical Oversight – Provide guidance and mentorship to the team, fostering a culture of technical rigor, innovation, and accountability.
• Risk Management & Safety – Identify, assess, and manage technical risks at the system level; lead critical design and readiness reviews; approve all non‑conformance waivers or design deviations.
• Collaboration – Support business development, partner engagement, and customer interactions by representing the technical capabilities of the Storm program; coordinate with the Storm Lead on technical milestones and risk assessments.
• Continuous Improvement – Drive continuous improvement in engineering tools, methodologies, and team capability; mature critical technologies and capture lessons learned.

What We Would Love to See From You

• A master’s degree or higher in propulsion engineering, systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
• Over 15 years of experience in liquid rocket engine development, including at least one full‑scale or prototype program and experience in production/industrialisation.
• Deep understanding of cryogenic propulsion systems, including design, integration, and test.
• Proven track record of defining and delivering complex aerospace systems from concept through flight.
• Proven ability to lead multi‑disciplinary technical teams and arbitrate complex design trades.
• Experience managing system‑level requirements, interfaces, and verification activities.
• Experience in engine hot‑fire testing and anomaly resolution.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence across engineering, program, and executive teams.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, and ability to make sound technical decisions under uncertainty, schedule, and cost pressure.
• Ability to work with geographically distributed teams and coordinate with external partners or suppliers.
• Positive, adaptable, and collaborative mindset, capable of inspiring excellence across the organization.
• Fluency in English.

Why You Should Join Us!

• We’re Agile – we make decisions fast while 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 democratizing space.

Senior Level: Executive | Employment Type: Full‑time | Industry: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

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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.