---
title: 'Valves Development Engineer [High-Thrust Rocket Engine] at The Exploration Company'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/valves-development-engineer-high-thrust-rocket-engine-the-exploration-company-keq4fs5cqn00'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-04'
---

# Valves Development Engineer [High-Thrust Rocket Engine] at The Exploration Company

- **Company:** [The Exploration Company](https://feeny.ai/companies/the-exploration-company)
- **Location:** Munich, Germany
- **Compensation:** €48k–€70k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** hybrid
- **Posted:** 2025-12-08
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-04
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/the-exploration-company/0a50eb9a-07df-4828-95bd-86d03dd30224/application

**Skills:** 3D CAD software, Drafting, Python, Fluid mechanics, Thermodynamics, Mechanical design, Material analysis, Technical drawing, Thermomechanical analysis, Cryogenic fluids, Liquid-propellant rocket engines

> Design, analyze, and optimize cryogenic valve components for rocket engines, including shut-off, control, and check valves. Responsibilities include performing engineering calculations, creating 3D models, conducting material analysis, and leading test campaigns to improve design based on results.

## 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 Valves Development Engineer to join our Future Project division. As a key member of our engineering team, you will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing valve components for rocket engines.

## KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Design and development of cryogenic valves (shut-off, control, check valves, etc.)
- Performing engineering calculations (thermo-mechanical, stress-strain, sealing analysis)
- Creating 3D models, technical drawings using CAD/CAE tools
- Material analysis and selection suitable for cryogenic/hot temperatures
- Collaborating with subcontractors, suppliers, production and testing teams
- Leading of test campaigns, providing result analysis and design improvement
- Preparation of technical documentation, specifications and manuals

WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU:

- Master's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related and applicable technical discipline. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree with substantial relevant experience
- Hands-on experience developing hardware from concept to working prototypes
- Strong fundamentals in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and mechanical design
- Good understanding of industry standard and emerging manufacturing methods and their respective constraints
- Proficient in the use of 3D CAD software and drafting
- Experience writing software/scripts in languages like Python
- Ability to infer system-level implications of component design choices
- Proficient in conducting thermomechanical analysis is a strong asset
- Relevant experience(s) with cryogenic fluids
- 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
- Fluency in English
- (Optional) Strong understanding of liquid-propellant rocket engines as a system

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

- [Summer 2027 Internship (Software)](https://feeny.ai/job/summer-2027-internship-software-the-exploration-company-california-rxw3vmam6adc) — California
- [Summer 2027 Internship (Engineering)](https://feeny.ai/job/summer-2027-internship-engineering-the-exploration-company-houston-84v9kag2vqwh) — Houston, TX
- [Spring 2027 Internship (Software)](https://feeny.ai/job/spring-2027-internship-software-the-exploration-company-california-sqxb8kqnnga7) — California
- [Spring 2027 Internship (Engineering)](https://feeny.ai/job/spring-2027-internship-engineering-the-exploration-company-houston-w359stqws4eb) — Houston, TX
- [CAD & PLM Administration Intern](https://feeny.ai/job/cad-plm-administration-intern-the-exploration-company-munich-vs3eyxgrgdyr) — Munich, Germany
- [Test Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/test-technician-the-exploration-company-bordeaux-vfkqxr9kq453) — Bordeaux, France
- [MAIT Additive Manufacturing Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/mait-additive-manufacturing-engineer-the-exploration-company-dusseldorf-gbmqpvmtct7b) — Düsseldorf, Germany
- [GNC Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/gnc-engineer-the-exploration-company-munich-51xp7nehwpad) — Munich, Germany
- [Software Engineer – Mission Control Software](https://feeny.ai/job/software-engineer-mission-control-software-the-exploration-company-munich-c72njec369dw) — Munich, Germany
- [Senior Composite Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-composite-engineer-the-exploration-company-munich-vngn7kxh5w5h) — Munich, Germany