---
title: 'Propulsion Data & Modeling Engineer at The Exploration Company'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/propulsion-data-modeling-engineer-the-exploration-company-bordeaux-zpbm7wfw8vtq'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-06'
---

# Propulsion Data & Modeling Engineer at The Exploration Company

- **Company:** [The Exploration Company](https://feeny.ai/companies/the-exploration-company)
- **Location:** Bordeaux, France
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Posted:** 2026-10-01
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-06
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/the-exploration-company/99d8d035-3fb8-4abd-9092-2ba26de05766

## Job description

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building spacecrafts for humanity. The heart of a spacecraft lies in its propulsion system, and that's why we, at The Exploration Company, are dedicated to developing our own cutting-edge Propulsion Systems ensuring the highest level of efficiency and reliability in our space endeavours.

We want you as a talented Propulsion Functional Systems Engineer to contribute to the development, testing, analysis, prediction and refinement of the functional architecture for Nyx Earth Propulsion System Development Models.

In order to derisk and gain confidence on the flight propulsion system, different development models are being built in order to run a multitude of tests spanning from functional tests, cold flows to system level hot fires. This testing will allow for the verification and validation of all the propulsion subsystems. You will be responsible for bridging the gap between design and hardware testing for the Nyx spacecraft propulsion system. As such, you will work closely with both the design and testing teams to ensure seamless integration and validation of propulsion subsystems. You will report to the Propulsion Development Models Principal Engineer.

Key responsibilities: In your capacity as a Propulsion Functional Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for the development of analysis, post processing, and prediction tools that can support testing and design activities linked to the propulsion sub-systems. Your role will be continuously evolving, but day-to-day responsibilities will include: During the Design Phase:

- Work closely with the pressure and feed system engineers to define the best configuration of the test setups, ensuring a high level of representativeness and testability to conduct all fluid modelling and analyses to verify repeatability of the test rigs with the flight systems and to perform test predictions.
- Support on the creation of test plans for propulsion subsystems (from a modeling perspective), including data acquisition, analysis, and reporting to ensure the performance of the system can be assessed.
- Design and develop propulsion analysis and post processing tools, to support testing activities and design maturation
- Work in close collaboration with the pressure and feed system engineers to ensure the anchoring of the different fluidic models and assess against test data

During testing phase:

- Provide on-site support during propulsion test campaigns, working closely with the test operator and test conductor.
- Perform test campaigns, analysing in real-time, through different test parameters and ensure test results with timely resolution of any anomaly arising during testing.
- Conduct pre-test and post-test reviews and elaborate the test reports.
- Update and correlate the fluidic models based on test results.
- Provide actionable insights to identify key performance indicators and potential critical scenarios

What we would love to see from you:

- A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a related Engineering discipline.
- +3 years of related experience in complex fluid systems, fluidic modeling, data analysis and data post processing.
- Strong engineering fundamentals in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and combustion principles.
- Familiarity with test facilities, or storable propulsion systems is an asset
- Experience in propulsion systems storable or cryogenic fluidic systems is a plus.
- Proficiency in python for fluid analyses, data post processing and model anchoring.
- Experience in EcosimPro (or similar software) for the high fidelity analysis of numerical twins.
- Proficiency in conducting fluid analyses using classical hand calculations
- Excellent collaboration skills for working effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Fluency in English.

Skills and Behaviours:

- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Strong analysis and problem-solving skills.
- Strong organizing and prioritization of tasks.
- Strong team player with a proactive mindset.
- Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done.
- Ability to communicate at all levels of the business.
- Demonstrates behaviours consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Mission, Vision, Integrity, Excellence and Teamwork.
- Space enthusiast, ready to change the European space industry.
- Nice to have, Ecosim experience

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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