---
title: 'AIT Thermal/ECLSS Team Leader at The Exploration Company'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/ait-thermal-eclss-team-leader-the-exploration-company-munich-9mcrd9r2vcn3'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-11'
---

# AIT Thermal/ECLSS Team Leader at The Exploration Company

- **Company:** [The Exploration Company](https://feeny.ai/companies/the-exploration-company)
- **Location:** Munich, Germany
- **Compensation:** €78k–€105k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Posted:** 2026-07-07
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-11
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/the-exploration-company/5dff079a-59ac-455f-8d62-4ced8b09c736

## Job description

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

We are seeking an experienced AIT Thermal/ECLSS Team Leader to lead our dynamic AIT thermal/ECLSS team. In this role, you will be responsible for the planning and execution of thermal/ECLSS integration and testing for Nyx Earth, starting from sub-system level thermal and ECLSS test campaigns. You are requested to lead a small team. This is a unique opportunity to play a hands-on role in testing and qualifying critical space systems in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment. You will report to the AIT Mechanical Principal Engineer.

Key responsibilities:

- Integration & Test Planning:

Design and plan thermal EVT (environment test) campaign at system/capsule level. Design and plan all thermal/ECLSS activities at sub-system levels (cold plate qualification, Pressure Compartment System, Ventilation system, etc..) for system and sub-system level. Support the preparation of engineering drawings for manufacture of test bench components. Lead team and activities to have a succesful integration of the Thermal system in the Capsule.

- Hardware Management:

Define and manage flight hardware interfaces during integration (pipes, fittings, valves, MLI, heaters, sensors, harness routing, thermal fillers, etc.). Design the 3D setup of test activities and build test setup. Procure test parts and write/execute procedures for all test activities.

- Test Execution:

Plan, define, prepare, execute, and oversee thermal/ECLSS tests in coordination with internal and external test facilities.

- Data Analysis & Reporting:

Provide test results and generate comprehensive test reports. Support in correlate and validate models in collaboration with engineering team.

- Cross-functional Collaboration:

Work closely with the design office and systems engineering to ensure design meets flight qualification standards. Improve the processes and procedure with the lessons learned of the previous operations. Support the team in other factory setup as we are a growing company, the perimeter can evolve along the mission.

- Compliance & Safety:

Ensure all testing activities comply with spaceflight standards and internal quality/safety protocols.

What we would love to see from you:

- A minimum of a MSc degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Physics, or related field.
- Over 5 years of relevant experience in testing or integration in the aerospace sector.
- Strong understanding of spacecraft thermal control systems, ECLSS systems, and test methodologies.
- Hands-on experience with TVAC chambers, thermal cycling equipment, sensor systems and test bench setup, including pipe bending.
- Familiarity with instrumentation (thermocouples, RTDs, thermal blankets, heaters, pressure sensors, actuators, etc.).
- Experience in writing and executing test procedures and managing test campaigns.
- Experience with CAD software preferably with Siemens NX
- Experience in managing a small team.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, autonomy, and attention to detail.
- 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.

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.

## About The Exploration Company

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: The Exploration Company (TEC) is building a full-stack space transportation platform, including a reusable space capsule (Nyx) and a high-thrust rocket engine (Storm), to democratize access to space.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series B)
- **Headquarters**: Munich, Germany (HQ); additional offices in Bordeaux (France), Luxembourg, Turin (Italy), Houston (Texas, USA), and Dubai/Abu Dhabi (UAE)
- **Founded**: 2021
- **Founders**: Hélène Huby (CEO) and a team of aerospace veterans

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Space transportation, aerospace engineering, orbital logistics
- **Target customers**: Space station operators, satellite operators, government space agencies (e.g., NASA), commercial space companies (B2B, B2G)
- **Mission or purpose statement**: "To build space vehicles for humanity, enabling everyone to participate peacefully in the building of our human future." [exploration.space](https://exploration.space/about)

## Products & Services
- **Nyx**: A reusable space capsule designed to dock with any space station, capable of carrying cargo (and eventually crew) to low-Earth orbit. It is the company’s first commercial vehicle.
- **Storm**: A high-thrust, staged-combustion rocket engine delivering up to 180 tons of thrust, designed to power a globally competitive, reusable launcher.
- **Mission Bikini**: A first demonstrator capsule built for ballistic reentry, completed from paper sketch to flight-ready in nine months.
- **Mission Possible**: A second demonstrator capsule built for controlled re-entry and recovery with cargo, completed in two years.
- **Orbital Propulsion**: In-house development of avionics, flight software, guidance/navigation/control (GNC), and reusable thrusters.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed
- **Total Funding**: $210.06M (Series B, with a $160M round raised approximately two years ago) [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/the-exploration-company)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Backed by tier-one investors; first European company to sign a Space Act Agreement with NASA; board includes figures like Mike Griffin (former NASA Administrator) and Yo-Yo Ma (cellist and board advisor) [exploration.space](https://exploration.space/about)
- **Growth Signals**: 10 missions already booked; two demonstrator capsules built in under three years; team of 450+ employees spanning 35 nationalities; offices in 6 locations across Europe, the US, and the UAE; named one of the fastest-growing space companies worldwide.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Speed of execution**: Demonstrated ability to go from concept to flight-ready hardware in 9–24 months, far faster than traditional aerospace.
- **Reusability focus**: Both Nyx and Storm are designed for rapid reuse, dramatically lowering per-mission costs.
- **Open-source vehicle design**: TEC’s approach is intentionally collaborative, fostering partnerships across countries and with NASA.
- **Full-stack capability**: Controls the entire space transportation stack (capsule, engine, avionics, software), reducing dependency on external suppliers.
- **European base with global reach**: Positioned as a key European player in the new space economy, with strong government and commercial ties.

## Strategic Focus
- **Commercial cargo missions**: First priority is launching Nyx to serve low-Earth orbit space stations (both public and private).
- **Engine development**: Continuing work on Storm to power a future European launcher.
- **International expansion**: Deepening presence in the US (Houston office) and UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi office).
- **Talent scaling**: Growing the team from 450+ to meet mission milestones, with a focus on engineering, production, and digital roles.

## Why Work Here
- **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](https://www.exploration.space/careers)
- **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.

## Sources
1. [exploration.space - Home](https://exploration.space/)
2. [exploration.space - About](https://exploration.space/about)
3. [exploration.space - Careers](https://www.exploration.space/careers)
4. [cbinsights.com - The Exploration Company](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/the-exploration-company)
5. [Wikipedia - The Exploration Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Exploration_Company)

## Other roles at The Exploration Company

- [Senior Embedded Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-embedded-software-engineer-the-exploration-company-munich-jnsjg431w510) — Munich, Germany
- [Flight Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/flight-software-engineer-the-exploration-company-munich-yc91tetavgaq) — Munich, Germany
- [Fluid Systems Development Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/fluid-systems-development-engineer-the-exploration-company-munich-e70h236r2z2a) — Munich, Germany
- [Propulsion Functional Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/propulsion-functional-engineer-the-exploration-company-munich-f5ndt62c0evx) — Munich, Germany
- [Internship - Radiation Testing of Electronic Components and Test Automation](https://feeny.ai/job/internship-radiation-testing-of-electronic-components-and-test-automation-the-dyybdp5p85c9) — Munich, Germany
- [ISS Integration & Certification Senior Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/iss-integration-certification-senior-engineer-the-exploration-company-houston-4ydmz8mg1raq) — Houston, TX
- [MAIT Additive Manufacturing Materials Intern](https://feeny.ai/job/mait-additive-manufacturing-materials-intern-the-exploration-company-dusseldorf-gr53a5aqfqn3) — Düsseldorf, Germany
- [Senior Environment Health & Safety Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-environment-health-safety-engineer-the-exploration-company-munich-jfyt4qx5psbc) — Munich, Germany
- [Propulsion AIT Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/propulsion-ait-engineer-the-exploration-company-bordeaux-s3t33mm6q6jv) — Bordeaux, France
- [Senior Avionics System Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-avionics-system-engineer-the-exploration-company-munich-wqc8hjq32xhq) — Munich, Germany