Vacuum Hotfire Test Stand Engineer at The Exploration Company (Bordeaux, France)
The Exploration Company· Bordeaux, France· €48k–€70k·
Role details
Relocation Assistance · Visa Sponsorship
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 Nyx Test Bench Engineer will develop, commission, and operate a propulsion test facility for storable, hypergolic propulsion systems. Responsibilities include designing test facilities, managing assembly and integration, and ensuring safety through hazard analysis and operational procedures.
Job description
Here at The Exploration Company, we are building innovative aerospace technologies that advance the future of space transportation.
We are also developing advanced propulsion capabilities to support our reusable spacecraft programs. We are building a dedicated test capability for storable, hypergolic propulsion systems in the 100–800 N class.
As the Vacuum Hotfire Test Stand Engineer, you will be part of the team that develops the propulsion test facility for legacy propellants (e.g., MON-class oxidizers and MMH-type fuels), from requirements definition through commissioning and operating the test facility. You will be part of the team that develops, commissions and operates the test facility.
Key Responsibilities / Tasks
Design of Test Facility
- Supporting development of a vacuum hot fire test facility which will be used to develop and qualify orbital thrusters - in tandem with the main designer/team leader
- Translate propulsion test needs into facility, utilities, and ground support equipment requirements
- Define instrumentation, data acquisition, and control systems for safe hot-fire testing.
- Interface effectively with internal engineering teams, customers, and external partners.
Assembly & Integration of Test Facility
- Manage suppliers and manufacturing activities; support in integration and verification.
- Support planning and execute commissioning, acceptance testing, and entry-into-service activities.
Safety & Operation of Test Facility
- Support hazard analyses (FMEA, HAZOP, risk assessments) and implement mitigation measures.
- Develop procedures for handling, testing, maintenance, and emergency response.
- Integration of thruster into test bench
- Support operations of test facility and perform hot fire, cold flows, decontamination and maintenance activities
- Perform maintenance activities of the test facility
What We Would Love to See From You
- Degree in aerospace, propulsion system, mechanical, chemical engineering, or a related discipline.
- 2+ years of hands-on experience with propulsion test benches, preferably with storable/legacy propellants.
- Strong background in fluid systems, pressurized systems, and ground support equipment.
- Knowledge of safety-critical systems, industrial automation, and test operations.
- Excellent communication skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
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.