Turbopump Principal Engineer at The Exploration Company (Munich, Germany)
The Exploration Company· Munich, Germany·
Role details
Relocation Assistance · Agile Decision-Making Environment · Collaborative Culture · Fun And Mission-Driven Work
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
Lead the development of turbomachinery for high-thrust liquid rocket engines, managing a team of engineers and overseeing complex systems from early design through hardware qualification. The role involves technical decision-making, supplier collaboration, and risk mitigation within an agile space propulsion project.
Job description
Here at The Exploration Company, we are building innovative aerospace technologies that advance the future of space transportation.
The heart of a spacecraft lies in its engine, 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 endeavors. We are seeking a talented Turbopump Principal Engineer to join our Future Project division. As a key member of our engineering team, you will be responsible for leading the development of the turbomachinery of our high thrust engine.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing and mentoring a team of engineers with diverse expertise, background and seniority (set objectives, perform reviews, support team members in their development...)
- Ensuring the proper development of complex systems which are the turbomachinery of a high thrust liquid rocket engine (management of planning and resources, organization of reviews...)
- Lead technical decisions for the development of the turbopumps and its surrounding infrastructures (test stands, manufacturing capabilities...) always having in mind the potential impacts on the engine.
- In collaboration with the Business Team, participate in the preparation of proposals writing
- Oversee tests to validate the performance and reliability of turbopump components
- Identify, evaluate, and collaborate with suppliers to ensure the quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of turbopump components
- Anticipating risks for the turbopumps development and proposing corresponding mitigation actions
What we would love to see from you
- Master's Degree or higher (or NZ and AUS "Bachelor with honors") in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related and applicable technical discipline with a minimum of 8 years of related experience
- Proven experience leading projects from the early design phases of space projects, through development test campaigns until hardware qualification
- Strong understanding of liquid-propellant rocket and engines as systems
- Strong fundamentals in thermodynamics and mechanical design
- Some understanding of problems of machine dynamics, such as rotordynamics
- Good understanding of industry standard and emerging manufacturing methods and their respective constraints
- Proven experience in external suppliers handling
- Fluent in English. German is an asset
Skills and Behaviors
- Strong ability to work in close collaboration with others
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Strong analysis and problem-solving skills
- Strong research skills and ability to infer useful information from partial or even contradictory sources
- Drive towards excellence coupled with ability to work within time constraints
- Proficiency in organization and prioritization of tasks
- Behavior consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Mission, Vision, Integrity, Excellence and Teamwork
- Enthusiasm for space exploration: be ready to have an impact on the future global space industry
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.