Lunar Lander AIT Manager

The Exploration Company

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run. One of the other core missions of the Exploration Company is to bring a payload to the lunar surface. In order to de-risk our lunar landing technologies, a ground demonstrator campaign will be carried out between 2026 and 2027. This demonstration campaign will involve a lunar lander demonstrator, called “Oneiros”, that will perform flying maneuvers on Earth. We want you as a talented and experienced Procurement Engineer for our Future Projects. You will be part of the Future Programs Procurement Team, reporting to the Procurement Manager Future Programs. You will work closely with the related Project Manager and with the corresponding engineering disciplines. Key Responsibilities In your capacity as Future Programs / Lunar Lander Procurement Manager, your role will continuously evolve, but initially your day-to-day duties will include: * Work closely with the internal customer/engineering teams * Participation to the definition of the need * Sourcing, supplier selection and trade off (risk management, sourcing board) * Cost Negotiation & contract * Administrative tasks in the IT tools (NDA, PO) * Supplier Relationship management: OTD & OTQ follow up * Budget Management & Cost Tracking (Have the Financial overview under control and that you can report at any time the Actuals & Forecast and compare that against the EAC) What we would love to see from you In the role as Lunar Lander Procurement Manager ideally, you will have the following: * Master’s degree or equivalent in a technical/engineering * 3+ years of experience in the aerospace sector * Experience procurement / purchasing processes within a technical context * Minimum 3 years' experience with any Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) software * Proven track record of ability to work autonomously under pressure and manage conflicting priorities * Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English, at least one other TEC languages would be appreciated (French, Italian, German) * Quick learner and adaptable to new challenges * Independent thinker and problem solver * Only applicants from NATO friendly countries can be considered. Skills and Behaviors Hard Skills * Negotiation skills: Secure deals and optimize savings through effective contract negotiation with suppliers. * Analytical skills: Make informed decisions, evaluate supplier performance, and conduct cost-benefit analyses * Risk management: Identify and address supply chain risks for uninterrupted goods/services supply. * Contract management: Possess a legal understanding to manage contracts, terms, conditions, and dispute resolution. * Project management skills: Plan, execute, and monitor procurement projects for effective sourcing. * Financial understanding: Working knowledge of financial principles, budgeting, and cost analysis for cost optimization. * Knowledge of export control regulations, including European dual-use, EAR, ITAR (US) * Strong oral and written communication skills * Strong analysis and problem-solving skills * Strong organizing and prioritization of tasks Soft Skills * Strong adaptability to large scope of technical commodities * 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 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.

The Exploration Company

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run. At The Exploration Company, we are developing next-generation space transportation systems, including a lunar lander capable of precision landing and reusable operations. To support this effort, we are establishing a dedicated remote test site in the United Arab Emirates to perform hot-fire propulsion testing and hopper flight demonstrations.   As a Lunar Lander Test Bench Development Engineer, you will lead the design, development, and deployment of this new test facility from concept to operations. The role combines propulsion test infrastructure design, cryogenic fluid systems engineering, civil infrastructure coordination, and end-to-end project execution in a remote environment.   This position requires periodic travel to the UAE during site development, commissioning, and operations phases.   KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / TASKS In this role, your responsibilities will evolve with project maturity. Day-to-day duties will include:   Test Site Development * Define and synthesize system-level requirements for a remote lunar lander test site supporting hot firing and hopper flight testing. * Lead the design and implementation of the complete facility, including ground infrastructure and utilities. * Specify and implement propellant and pressurization systems including Liquid Oxygen, Liquid Methane, Helium, and Nitrogen. * Design infrastructure enabling autonomous operation of a remote site (power generation, storage, logistics, safety systems).   Fluid and Cryogenic Systems Engineering * Develop P&IDs for propulsion test facilities and associated ground support equipment. * Design, size, and select components for cryogenic and high-pressure fluid systems. * Ensure safe handling, storage, and distribution of cryogenic propellants and pressurants.   Infrastructure and Civil Engineering Coordination * Define facility layout, foundations, structural interfaces, and site infrastructure requirements. * Coordinate with civil engineering partners to implement test stands, safety perimeters, and support buildings. Safety, Automation, and Operations * Define and implement automation architectures for test operations and facility control, including safe connections with the vehicle to test. * Develop and validate safety-critical systems protecting personnel, hardware, and environment. * Perform hazard analyses (FMEA, HAZOP, risk assessments) and implement mitigation measures. * Develop test procedures, operational concepts, and commissioning plans.   Project Leadership * Lead end-to-end development of the test facility including design, procurement, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and operations readiness. * Manage technical interfaces with internal teams, customers, and external suppliers. * Perform trade-off analyses to optimize performance, safety, cost, and schedule. * Support on-site deployment, integration, and test campaigns.   WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU * Degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, energy systems, or a related field. * 5+ years of experience in propulsion test facilities or hot-fire test bench development. * Strong expertise in fluid systems engineering, including cryogenic propellants. * Experience designing or operating ground support equipment for rocket propulsion systems. * Knowledge of automation systems and safety-critical control architectures for industrial or test environments. * Experience coordinating infrastructure or facility development in industrial or remote environments. * Demonstrated project management capability across multidisciplinary engineering activities. * Hands-on engineering mindset with strong problem-solving ability. * Excellent communication skills and ability to work across international teams. * Willingness to travel to and work periodically in the United Arab Emirates.   Location: Bordeaux (France) in a first step and test campaign of few months in UAE.   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.

The Exploration Company

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run. As we scale our vehicle portfolio, we are growing the team responsible for bringing these vehicles to life. ROLE OVERVIEW As Assembly Integration and Testing Lead Engineer, you will own end-to-end vehicle manufacturing at TEC — from the first component arriving on the floor to the final acceptance hand-over. You will ensure that all TEC vehicles (Capsule, Lunar Lander, and Satellites) are delivered On Time, On Quality, On Cost (OTOQOC). Leading a multidisciplinary AIT organization, you will set the technical and operational standards that define how TEC builds spacecraft. Direct reports include: • GSE (Ground Support Equipment) • Mechanical / Propulsion / Thermal • Operations • Electrical Functional Test   KEY RESPONSIBILITIES In your capacity as Lead AIT, your role will be continuously evolving, but day to day your duties will include: Vehicle Realisation & OTOQOC • Ensure all TEC vehicles (Capsule, Lunar Lander, Satellites) are assembled, integrated, and tested On Time, On Quality, and On Cost. • Define, implement, and enforce AIT plans, procedures, and schedules across all programmes. • Drive non-conformance resolution and lessons-learned processes to continuously raise the quality bar. • Ensure full traceability and compliance of AIT activities with applicable quality, safety, and reliability standards (ESA, NASA, or equivalent). Team Leadership • Lead, mentor, and develop the AIT team across GSE, Mechanical/Propulsion/Thermal, Operations, and Electrical Functional Test functions. • Set clear objectives, KPIs, and development plans for direct reports and the broader AIT organisation. • Foster a culture of extreme ownership, rigour, and continuous improvement on the shop floor and respect of rules for Flight hardware building (double check, cleanliness etc…). Budget & Resource Management • Own and manage the AIT budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently across programmes. • Build and maintain multi-year budget forecasts aligned with the vehicle development roadmap. • Identify cost optimisation opportunities without compromising schedule or quality. Operational Planning & Infrastructure • Anticipate and plan operational needs including cleanroom and integration hall floor space (SQM), infrastructure upgrades, and tooling procurement. • Manage the procurement and qualification of all AIT tooling, GSE, and test equipment. • Ensure facilities and infrastructure scale in line with the vehicle production ramp-up. Cross-functional Collaboration • Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Programme Management to ensure seamless transition from design to hardware. • Represent AIT in programme reviews, customer audits, and milestone gates. • Interface with external partners, test facilities, and launch service providers as required.   WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU In the role of Lead AIT, ideally, you will have the following: • 10 to 15 years of experience as an AIT Manager on equivalent space vehicles (spacecraft, launchers, satellites, or planetary landers), with a demonstrable track record of delivering OTOQOC. • Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary AIT teams covering mechanical, electrical, propulsion, thermal, and GSE functions. • Deep technical expertise in spacecraft AIT processes, including MAIT planning, work instruction authoring, hazardous operations, and acceptance test campaigns. • Strong budget management skills, with experience owning multi-million-euro AIT budgets and reporting to senior leadership. • Demonstrated experience anticipating and planning for operational infrastructure needs: cleanroom SQM, cranes, vacuum chambers, vibration rigs, tooling. • Solid knowledge of space industry standards (ECSS, ESA, NASA) and their practical application in an AIT context. • Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills: you communicate clearly, make decisions under pressure, and bring your team with you. • Hands-on mindset — you are equally comfortable in a management review and on the shop floor. • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment where priorities evolve and resourcefulness is valued. • Fluent in English; French or German is a plus.   BONUS POINTS • Experience with multiple vehicle types (e.g., satellite + crewed vehicle + lander) across different mission profiles. • Exposure to serial production ramp-up in a space context. • Familiarity with New Space operating models and the associated pace and culture. • Experience interfacing with launch campaign teams and range safety. 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.