Nyx Crew Vehicle Design Principal

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. Key Responsibilities: * Technical Leadership * Work closely with the ECLSS Principal Engineer and other Nyx Crew team members to further the development of the Nyx Crew ECLS Systems. * Lead the development of ECLSS components and sub-systems from concept and requirement generation through Critical Design Review and eventual Flight Hardware delivery with the support and oversight of the ECLSS Principal Engineer. * Design and develop test rigs and test objectives for components and subsystems. Vehicle Architecture * Lead development, functional and risk-reduction testing for responsible components, and/or subsystems. * Develop and validate analytical models to predict system behavior and inform design decisions. * Conduct component trade studies and make recommendations that balance performance, cost, schedule, and risk. Program Execution * Plan, coordinate, and oversee development activities to achieve technical, schedule, and budget objectives. * Manage Product Lifecycle Management workflows, Bill of Materials configurations, and Interface Control Documents. * Identify and mitigate technical risks, resolve anomalies, and deliver qualified flight hardware aligned with program milestones. * Support the creation of detailed engineering documentation, including design reviews, test plans, test and analysis reports, and technical specifications. Team Leadership & Capability Development * Provide technical mentorship to lower level engineers and technicians. * Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Stakeholder, Supplier & Cross-Functional Management * Lead technical interactions with suppliers, development partners, and external stakeholders, including component selection, procurement, oversight, and acceptance activities. * Collaborate closely with subsystems, MAIT, and program teams to ensure successful system integration. * Communicate technical status, risks, and recommendations while ensuring alignment between propulsion activities and broader vehicle development objectives. Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred) or Aerospace Engineering. * Minimum 10 years of experience in technical coordination of aerospace or spacecraft projects, from early development to qualification. * Experience in design processes, including concept development, trade studies, testing, and optimization for manufacturability and reliability. * Experience in developing and leading component testing campaigns, including test objective generation and test rig design and development. * Experience with 3D modeling software. * Experience with ECLSS systems, including pressure systems, air circulation systems, water systems and/or atmospheric monitoring & processing systems. * Experience with environmental testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, etc. * Experience with ECSS and NASA standards is a plus. * Familiarity with tools like GitHub and Python is a plus. Skills and Behaviors: * Ability to effectively utilize oral and written communication to express technical concepts and recommendations. * Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and stakeholders to ensure successful project execution. * Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. * Strong organizing and prioritization of tasks. * Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done. * Demonstrates behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Vision, Competence, Integrity, and Passion. 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. We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Engine Principal to drive the development of next-generation high-thrust hypergolic propulsion systems for crewed spaceflight applications. This individual will be responsible for leading the engine development effort from early concept and architecture definition through qualification and flight readiness, ensuring the successful delivery of safe, reliable, and high-performance propulsion hardware. As a key technical leader within the organization, the Engine Principal will play a central role in shaping propulsion strategy, developing team capabilities, mitigating technical risks, and ensuring propulsion systems meet demanding performance, reliability, schedule, and cost objectives. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Technical Leadership * Lead the end-to-end development of high-thrust hypergolic rocket engines from concept through flight readiness. * Lead preparation and execution of major program reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.), supporting certification activities and customer reviews. * Ensure compliance with industry standards, human-rating requirements, and quality processes throughout the product lifecycle. * Engine Architecture * Establish engine architecture and drive key design decisions. * Conduct trade studies, simulation, and analytical assessments to optimize engine performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost. * Own propulsion technical requirements and contribute to long-term propulsion technology strategy and innovation roadmaps. * Program Execution * Plan, coordinate, and oversee engine development activities to achieve technical, schedule, and budget objectives. * Lead development and qualification, including verification, validation, certification, and flight-readiness activities. * Identify and mitigate technical risks, resolve anomalies, and deliver qualified flight hardware aligned with program milestones. * Team Leadership & Capability Development * Build, lead, and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary propulsion team. * Provide technical mentorship to engineers and technicians. * Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement * Stakeholder, Supplier & Cross-Functional Management * Lead technical interactions with suppliers, development partners, and external stakeholders, including component selection, procurement, oversight, and acceptance activities. * Collaborate closely with systems engineering, avionics, MAIT, and program teams to ensure successful propulsion system integration. * Communicate technical status, risks, and recommendations while ensuring alignment between propulsion activities and broader vehicle development objectives. QUALIFICATIONS * B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical Design, Engineering, Engineering Technology, or similar related discipline * 10+ years of relevant engineering experience. Relevant advanced degrees will be considered in lieu of equivalent experience. * Demonstrated experience designing, analyzing, integrating, and testing engines for space vehicles. * Demonstrated experience in developing human rated systems. * Working knowledge of throttleable high thrust hypergolic engines. * Knowledge of environmental testing, such as vibration, shock, acoustic, and/or vacuum. * Experience working with external customers such as commercial companies and government agencies (NASA, AFRL, DARPA, etc.) and component suppliers. Due to federal regulations (e.g., ITAR/EAR), applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (e.g., current Green Card holders). Location: Houston, TX. 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 a Nyx Crew Systems Engineering Intern, Mechanical/Structures, you will be at the forefront of our crewed vehicle development. You will be instrumental in enabling our mission by leading the development of requirements, implementing early hardware prototypes, and testing Nyx Crew systems designs.   Key Responsibilities: In your role as the Nyx Crew Systems Engineering Intern, Mechanical/Structures, your day-to-day duties will include: * Conduct rapid hands-on prototype development, including designing and building mockups and functional systems * Conduct qualitative and quantitative human-in-the-loop evaluations of Nyx Crew systems * Supporting hardware integration, manufacturing, and integration activities * Support the US engineering office with tasks related to the Nyx Crew vehicle mechanical and structural systems, including: * Requirements definition * Conceptual design * CAD modeling, structures and loads analysis, ECLSS modeling * Manufacturing, integration and test   Desired Qualifications: Applicants should be currently enrolled students able to work full-time for a period of at least 12 weeks, beginning in September 2026. Strong candidates will have: * Undergraduate or graduate studies in engineering, applied physics, computer science, or a related field * Strong hands-on project experience through student teams, work projects, personal projects, or hobbies * Independent, self-starter attitude Due to federal regulations (e.g., ITAR/EAR), applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (e.g., current Green Card holders). Location: Houston, TX.   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.