The Exploration Company

AIT Test Technician at The Exploration Company (Munich, Germany)

The Exploration Company· Munich, Germany· €47k–€60k·

Role details

Salary
€47k–€60k
Employment
Full-Time
Skills
Environmental testingVibration testingShock testingThermal Vacuum (TVAC) testingGround Support Equipment (GSE)Instrumentation installationThermocouplesAccelerometersVibration shakerShock test facilityTVAC facilityCalibration verification
Benefits

Relocation Assistance · Visa Sponsorship Where Applicable

The Exploration Company at a glance

European space-transport startup building Nyx, a reusable cargo capsule, and Storm, a high-thrust rocket engine.

The Exploration Company is building a full-stack space transportation platform out of Europe: Nyx, a reusable cargo capsule that docks with space stations in low-Earth orbit and returns cargo to Earth, and Storm, a high-thrust staged-combustion rocket engine. It designs its own thrusters, avionics, flight software, and heat shield in-house.

$230M raised · latest: Series B · $160M · 2024 · backed by Balderton Capital, Plural, Bessemer Venture Partners, NGP Capital

Summary

The AIT Test Technician supports the preparation, integration, execution, and reporting of environmental and functional test activities for spacecraft sub-systems. This hands-on role ensures testing is conducted safely and accurately in a fast-paced aerospace development environment.

Job description

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building innovative aerospace technologies that advance the future of space transportation.

We are looking for a hands-on and rigorous AIT Test Technician to support the preparation, integration, execution, and reporting of environmental and functional test activities for spacecraft sub-systems and hardware. This role is critical to ensuring that all testing activities are executed safely, accurately, and according to procedures and quality standards. The ideal candidate is meticulous, structured, technically skilled, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced aerospace development environment.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental Test Preparation & Execution

  • Support the setup, integration, and execution of environmental tests including:
  • Vibration testing
  • Shock testing
  • Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing
  • Ancillary testing activities
  • Prepare hardware, tooling, instrumentation, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) for test campaigns.
  • Install thermocouples, accelerometers, harnessing, and instrumentation according to test procedures and engineering requirements.
  • Operate environmental test equipment including vibration shaker, shock test facility, TVAC facility, and associated monitoring systems.
  • Perform pre-test and post-test inspections of test setups.
  • Support testing activities both internally and at external test facilities.

Procedures, Documentation & Reporting

  • Prepare and execute test procedures with adherence to safety, cleanliness, and quality standards.
  • Ensure all operations are properly documented and traceable.
  • Report, anomalies, and observations during operations.
  • Verify that tools, instrumentation, and measurement equipment comply with calibration requirements before use.

Tooling, Equipment & Facility Support

  • Maintain and organize tooling, sensors, adapters, cables, and test equipment.
  • Monitor the condition and calibration status of test assets and measurement equipment.
  • Perform first-level maintenance and troubleshooting on test equipment and support systems.
  • Support the integration and validation of new tooling and test setups.
  • Assist engineers in defining and improving test processes, setups, and operational workflows.
  • Ensure laboratory and test areas remain organized, safe, and operationally ready.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Technical degree or vocational training in aerospace, electronics, mechatronics, industrial systems, or a related technical field.
  • Experience in aerospace, automotive, defense, industrial testing, or other high-reliability technical environments.
  • Hands-on experience with environmental testing equipment such as vibration tables, thermal chambers, or instrumentation systems is highly desirable.
  • Familiarity with laboratory operations, instrumentation installation, and mechanical integration activities.
  • Experience working with calibrated equipment, controlled procedures, and technical documentation is a strong plus.

Expected Technical Skills

  • Ability to read and follow technical procedures and engineering drawings.
  • Experience with mechanical assembly and test setups.
  • Basic understanding of sensors and instrumentation systems.
  • Familiarity with torque tools, measurement equipment, and laboratory/test equipment.
  • Knowledge of safety procedures related to environmental testing activities.
  • Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities in technical environments.

Personal Qualities

  • Strong rigor and attention to detail.
  • Structured and disciplined way of working.
  • Hands-on mindset with a proactive attitude.
  • Ability to identify and communicate anomalies clearly and accurately.
  • Team player with good communication skills.
  • Reliable, organized, and accountable.
  • Comfortable working in fast-paced and evolving environments.
  • Excellent communication skills 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.

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.

Why work at The Exploration Company

  • Culture: Emphasizes speed, execution, and ownership. Values include Excellence, Teamwork, Integrity, and "Space for everyone." The company prides itself on gathering diverse, international talent from both space and non-space backgrounds.
  • Remote/Hybrid Policy: Offers flexibility and remote work opportunities depending on the role, but encourages a hybrid approach where possible. exploration.space
  • Relocation Support: Yes, the company provides relocation assistance and work permit/visa support for new hires.
  • Notable Perks: Opportunity to work on cutting-edge space vehicles from day one; internal mobility encouraged; background check required for all offers.
  • Engineering Culture: Leadership includes aerospace veterans who have worked on major global space programs. The team is 450+ strong, representing 35 nationalities, with a flat, fast-moving structure.

Application questions