[Nyx Earth] System Functional Engineer

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 a talented Propulsion CFD Engineer, you will be responsible for the computational fluid dynamics analysis of propulsion system components and thruster plumes, providing the flow physics insight that underpins component design, thruster performance, and vehicle-level integration decisions. ROLE OVERVIEW CFD Analysis & Component Simulation * Perform CFD simulations of propulsion components — valves, regulators, orifices, injectors, feed lines — to characterize internal flow, pressure drop, and flow-induced loads. * Support design trade studies by predicting component-level performance across the operating envelope, in both steady-state and transient conditions. * Identify and help resolve flow anomalies such as cavitation, choking, or flow separation that affect component performance. Plume Characterization & Thruster Performance * Model thruster plume characterization, from near-field continuum expansion through far-field rarefied flow, including relevant gas dynamics effects. * Assess plume-induced thermal, contamination, and force/torque effects on adjacent subsystems and vehicle surfaces. * Support thruster and nozzle design by predicting performance parameters such as thrust coefficient and specific impulse from CFD. Cross-Functional Design Collaboration * Work closely with propulsion design engineers and structural and thermal analysts to translate CFD results into actionable design inputs and margins. * Communicate CFD findings and their implications clearly to multidisciplinary teams and program stakeholders. * Support system-level trades on component sizing, thruster placement, and plume shielding for vehicle interfaces. Model Validation, Tools & Documentation * Validate and correlate CFD models against test data — cold-flow testing, hot-fire testing, plume diagnostics — to build and maintain model confidence. * Maintain and improve CFD simulation workflows, meshing practices, and tools to improve turnaround time and consistency across the design office. * Produce clear technical reports and analysis documentation supporting design reviews and certification. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES LOCATION You will perform your duties principally at the Company's premises in Bordeaux and may be required to travel from time to time to our company’s premises in Munich in the course of your duties. WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU * M.S. or Ph.D. in aerospace or a related field, with 3+ years of hands-on CFD experience relevant to propulsion or fluid dynamics. * Proficiency with CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, or equivalent. * Experience modeling compressible, multiphase, and/or rarefied gas flows relevant to propulsion valves and thruster plumes. * Familiarity with plume characterization methods such as DSMC or continuum-rarefied coupling is a strong plus. * Strong grounding in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and gas dynamics fundamentals. * Experience correlating CFD predictions against test data. * Familiarity with scripting or automation (Python, MATLAB) for meshing, post-processing, or workflow automation. * Fluent in English. German and French are an asset Skills and Behaviors: * A hands-on approach to problem-solving, combined with a collaborative mindset to work across multidisciplinary teams * Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask * Capability of working autonomously whilst collaborating productively with remote teams * Positive and flexible attitude in a constantly evolving environment * Grit to get the job done * Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences * Behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Commitment, Innovation, Trust, Quality, and Teamwork 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.

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 a talented Propulsion CAD Engineer, you will be responsible for the detailed 3D modeling, drawing production, and documentation of propulsion system components and subsystems, working closely with design, thermal, structural, and manufacturing teams to turn requirements into buildable, well-controlled hardware. ROLE OVERVIEW CAD Modeling & Design Development * Create complex 3D models of propulsion components and subsystems using CAD software (Siemens NX). * Produce schematics and technical drawings that other engineers and technicians can follow, and present designs clearly, explaining complex aspects in simple terms when needed. * Support estimation of component mass, cost and lead time from CAD models and drawings. Documentation & Configuration Control * Create and maintain the documentation essential for manufacturing or assembly, including bills of materials (BOM), assembly instructions, and technical reports. * Ensure configuration management and version control of CAD models and drawings, keeping the master model and released drawing set consistent and traceable. * Develop new tools and workflows to improve CAD, documentation, and configuration management processes across the design office. Cross-Functional Design Collaboration * Collaborate closely with designers, thermal and structural analysts, and materials and manufacturing engineers to refine designs. * Incorporate multidisciplinary feedback to improve functionality, manufacturability, and efficiency without compromising design intent. * Support design iterations quickly and accurately so analysis and manufacturing teams can work from a stable, up-to-date model. Standards Compliance & Design Verification * Verify that designs comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies (e.g., ISO standards, ANSI, or other relevant guidelines). * Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) correctly to ensure drawings communicate functional intent, not just geometry. * Check designs for manufacturability, inspectability, and compliance before release, catching errors and inconsistencies before they reach the shop floor. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES LOCATION You will perform your duties principally at the Company's premises in Bordeaux and may be required to travel from time to time to our company’s premises in Munich in the course of your duties. WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU * Minimum of a B.S. degree in engineering and 3+ years of related experience. * Proficiency in CAD software such as Siemens NX or similar. * Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T). * Experience on tubing and brackets design constraints, manufacturing processes and inspection is a plus * Attention to detail and ability to spot errors or inconsistencies in drawings and designs. * Strong understanding of engineering standards, manufacturing processes, and analysis principles. * Fundamental knowledge of structural design, stability, and fatigue failure mechanisms.. * Fluent in English. German and French are an asset. Skills and Behaviors: * A hands-on approach to problem-solving, combined with a collaborative mindset to work across multidisciplinary teams * Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask * Capability of working autonomously whilst collaborating productively with remote teams * Positive and flexible attitude in a constantly evolving environment * Grit to get the job done * Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences * Behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Commitment, Innovation, Trust, Quality, and Teamwork 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.