Lead Propulsion Systems Engineer – Orbital Vehicle

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 talented Propulsion System Senior Engineer to help us in our mission to develop the design, testing, verification, validation and operation of our propulsion system for Nyx Earth.

This position requires a strong technical background in spacecraft chemical propulsion, excellent systems-level understanding, and the ability to interface across engineering, AIT, and operations teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership for the design justification, lay-out optimization, and testing of the MON/MMH propulsion system.
• Interface with structures, thermal, avionics, GNC, safety and operations teams to ensure consistent cross-domain requirements.
• Support the validation of propulsion system architecture, functional chain, and control strategy.
• Support the propulsion FMEA/FMECA activities in coordination with system engineering, and safety teams.
• Support the definition, modeling, and validation of propulsion FDIR strategy.
• Contribute to the preparation of AIT procedures for both the Propulsion Qualification Model (PQM) and the Flight Model (FM).
• Support to MAIT during assembly, integration and testing of the PQM and FM.
• Lead the definition of functional tests, leak tests, dry-run operations, and hazardous/propellant-related operations.
• Lead the VnV process of the propulsion system.
• Support development of mission operations concepts, timelines, and propulsion nominal and off-nominal procedures (startup, orbital manoeuvres, rendezvous support, docking, undocking, de-orbit, passivation, capsule recovery) in cooperation with the mission management team.
• Participate in operators training and mission rehearsal campaigns.
• Act as propulsion operator within the mission operation team during the maiden mission.

What We Would Love To See From You

• Master’s degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in spacecraft chemical propulsion system design, testing, or operations (storable propellant experience strongly preferred).
• Strong systems engineering mindset, ability to lead multidisciplinary discussions and defend design choices.
• Proven background with MON, MMH, NTO, or hydrazine-based systems.
• Hands-on experience with FMEA/FMECA, fault management, and/or FDIR architectures.
• Experience in spacecraft AIT, including work with hazardous propellants
• Experience with mission operations, simulation tools, and operational concept development.
• Ability to guide junior engineers and coordinate with external suppliers.
• Strong analytical and documentation skills (FMECA tools, modelling, verification matrices).
• Fluency in English.

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. #J-18808-Ljbffr