---
title: '[Nyx Earth] Valve / Component Test Engineer at The Exploration Company'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/nyx-earth-valve-component-test-engineer-the-exploration-company-bordeaux-n92hhnr48n2v'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-25'
---

# [Nyx Earth] Valve / Component Test Engineer at The Exploration Company

- **Company:** [The Exploration Company](https://feeny.ai/companies/the-exploration-company)
- **Location:** Bordeaux, France
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Posted:** 2026-08-05
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-25
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/the-exploration-company/990d8421-3269-44ec-86df-5cc1d05a4106

## Job description

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building innovative aerospace technologies that advance the future of space transportation. As a talented Valve / Component Test Engineer, you will plan and execute the test campaigns that qualify and accept solenoid isolation valves for our storable propulsion system — from functional and leak testing through life-cycle and propellant-compatibility testing.

## Role Overview

Test Planning & Procedure Development

- Develop test plans and procedures for solenoid isolation valve qualification, acceptance, and life testing (functional response, leak, proof/burst, cycle life, propellant compatibility).
- Define test success criteria and correlate them with valve functional and performance requirements.
- Support V&V planning in coordination with system functional and design engineers.

Test Execution & Data Acquisition

- Execute functional, performance, and environmental test campaigns on solenoid valves (cold flow, vacuum, thermal, vibration, EMI where applicable).
- Set up and operate test benches, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems for valve response time, leak rate, and flow characterization.
- Reduce and analyze test data, comparing results against predictions and requirements.

Anomaly Investigation & Root Cause

- Investigate test anomalies — leakage exceedances, actuation failures, response time drift — and lead root cause analysis.
- Support disposition of non-conformances and coordinate corrective actions with design and manufacturing.
- Document test results and anomalies for certification and configuration traceability.

Test Facility, Tooling & Safety

- Design and maintain test fixtures, GSE, and facility setups for valve testing, including propellant-compatible test benches.
- Ensure safe handling procedures for test operations, particularly where storable/hypergolic propellant simulants or fluids are used.
- Continuously improve test infrastructure, automation, and data processing tools.

## Key Responsibilities

Location You will perform your duties principally at the Company's premises in Bordeaux and may be required to travel from time to time to our company’s premises in Munich in the course of your duties. What we would love to see from you

- B.S. in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with 3+ years of hands-on test engineering experience with valves or fluid components.
- Experience with functional, leak, and life-cycle testing of solenoid or similar valves.
- Familiarity with storable/hypergolic propellant test safety practices is a strong plus.
- Experience with DAQ systems and instrumentation (pressure, flow, position sensors).
- Root-cause investigation experience.
- Familiarity with applicable test standards (e.g., NASA, ECSS, or equivalent).

Skills and Behaviours:

- A hands-on approach to problem-solving, combined with a collaborative mindset to work across multidisciplinary teams
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask
- Capability of working autonomously whilst collaborating productively with remote teams
- Positive and flexible attitude in a constantly evolving environment
- Grit to get the job done
- Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences
- Behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Commitment, Innovation, Trust, Quality, and Teamwork

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)

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