Principal Mechanical 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. 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 Turbopump Principal Engineer to join our Future Project division. As a key member of our engineering team, you will be responsible for leading the development of the turbomachinery of our high thrust engine. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Managing and mentoring a team of engineers with diverse expertise, background and seniority (set objectives, perform reviews, support team members in their development...) * Ensuring the proper development of complex systems which are the turbomachinery of a high thrust liquid rocket engine (management of planning and resources, organization of reviews...) * Lead technical decisions for the development of the turbopumps and its surrounding infrastructures (test stands, manufacturing capabilities...) always having in mind the potential impacts on the engine. * In collaboration with the Business Team, participate in the preparation of proposals writing * Oversee tests to validate the performance and reliability of turbopump components * Identify, evaluate, and collaborate with suppliers to ensure the quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of turbopump components * Anticipating risks for the turbopumps development and proposing corresponding mitigation actions WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU * Master's Degree or higher (or NZ and AUS "Bachelor with honors") in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related and applicable technical discipline with a minimum of 8 years of related experience * Proven experience leading projects from the early design phases of space projects, through development test campaigns until hardware qualification * Strong understanding of liquid-propellant rocket and engines as systems * Strong fundamentals in thermodynamics and mechanical design * Some understanding of problems of machine dynamics, such as rotordynamics * Good understanding of industry standard and emerging manufacturing methods and their respective constraints * Proven experience in external suppliers handling * Fluent in English. German is an asset SKILLS AND BEHAVIORS * 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 * Behavior consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Mission, Vision, Integrity, Excellence and Teamwork * Enthusiasm for space exploration: be ready to have an impact on the future 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.

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 looking for an experienced and hands-on Principal Flight Software Engineer (Team Lead) to lead the development of the flight software stack for Nyx. In this critical role, you will guide a team of talented engineers in building and validating the software systems that control and operate the spacecraft—from launch to docking, re-entry, and recovery. You will combine deep technical expertise with strong leadership to deliver high-reliability software under tight mission timelines. You will drive architectural decisions, enforce rigorous testing standards, and foster a culture of ownership, simulation-driven development, and cross-functional collaboration with other subsystems such as GNC, avionics, propulsion, and mission operations. This is a high-impact leadership position where your decisions directly influence mission success. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Lead and mentor a high-performing team of flight software engineers in the design, implementation, testing, and integration of spacecraft software. * Own the technical roadmap and execution for flight software, including architecture, modularity, and interfaces across avionics and vehicle subsystems. * Set high standards for code quality, test coverage, simulation fidelity, and system robustness. * Drive development in modern C++ (C++17 or newer) and Python, enabling safe and efficient spacecraft operations in real-time environments. * Oversee the development of test infrastructure, including unit, integration, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, to ensure flight readiness. * Collaborate closely with teams across systems engineering, GNC, propulsion, avionics, and mission operations to define requirements, resolve interface challenges, and validate end-to-end behavior. * Participate in and lead code reviews, software audits, flight software simulations, and mission rehearsals. WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU * Strong proficiency in modern C++ (C++17 or newer) and Python. * Experience with real-time systems, embedded development, or spacecraft software. * Demonstrated ability to take ownership of complex technical problems and drive them to resolution. * Familiarity with software testing methodologies and simulation tools. * Excellent cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration skills. * Good understanding of math & physics * Focus on detail, quality, and testing * Experience with CI/CD systems and build systems NICE TO HAVE * Knowledge of safety critical and real-time critical software and familiarity with RTOS * Good understanding of communication protocols such as: TCP/IP, UART, CAN Bus and serialization * Experience with automotive or flight software frameworks * Background in orbital mechanics, spacecraft systems, or space mission lifecycle. * Experience with industry standards such as AUTOSAR, ECSS, DO-178 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.