
The Exploration Company · Munich
Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled ...
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.
To support this ambitious goal, we are seeking a HiL Software Developer to join our Avionics Test Team in Munich. You will be
responsible for the design, implementation, integration, and validation of software models and tooling used in
Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) testing activities for Nyx avionics systems.
You will play a key role in developing high-fidelity simulation environments and integrating software models into National
Instruments-based test infrastructures, working closely with GNC, Flight Software, Avionics, and Mission Operations teams to
support verification and validation campaigns.
maintainability
Why you should join us!
What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:
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 seeking a highly motivated and experienced Software System Engineer to support the certification activities of the flight software for the Nyx program. You will work in a dedicated team focused on verification & validation (V&V), software certification, requirements tracing, test planning and system engineering interfacing. In this role, you will collaborate closely with software development teams, system engineering, certification bodies, and safety authorities. You will work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where cross-functional integration is essential. Key Responsibilities * Contribute to V&V and IV&V activities to ensure that flight software meets functional, performance, and safety requirements * Support requirements management and tracing, ensuring full traceability from system-level requirements to software implementation, test and verification artifacts * Prepare and review documentation required for software certification and NASA Safety Reviews * Interpret, tailor, and apply formal standards * Interface with internal Product Assurance * Collaborate daily with system engineers and software development teams to resolve technical issues and clarify requirements * Develop and maintain software functional design baseline * Plan software testing of the integrated mission * Use your understanding of C++ and Python to meaningfully engage in software design and test discussions What we would love to see from you * Experience working on safety-critical or highly regulated software systems (preferably in aerospace) * Solid understanding of requirements management, V&V, test and certification processes * Strong technical background in software engineering, with practical experience in flight software frameworks and modern C++ * Experience with real-time systems, embedded development, or spacecraft software * Familiarity with software testing methodologies and simulation tools * Excellent cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration skills * Focus on detail, quality, and testing * Familiarity with agile and modern development practices Nice to have * Familiarity with standards such as SSP 50808, NASA-NPR-7150.2, NASA-STD-8739.8B, RCC319, ECSS-Q-ST-80C * Prior work on human-rated spaceflight programs * Experience with model-based system engineering * Experience with CI/CD systems and build systems 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. The System Integration Senior Engineer will help lead the Nyx system end‑to‑end integration and verification, with a focus on functional platforms (Software in the Loop Platform, Processor in the Loop Platform, Hardware in the Loop Platform, Functional Simulation Facility). You will define and execute test plans, manage requirement traceability, analyse test results, and close verification evidence across SIL/PIL/HIL and physical test campaigns. Working closely with subsystem leads, AIT teams, and external partners, you will identify integration risks, resolve anomalies, and ensure that all mechanical functions perform safely and reliably throughout the mission profile. This position requires a rigorous systems mindset, strong understanding of mechanical behaviour in the space environment, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary verification activities to successful closure. Key Responsibilities In your capacity a System Integration Senior Engineer, your role will continuously evolve, but initially your day-to-day duties will include: * Ensure the definition and implementation of the Nyx Earth system integration and verification activities, which meets technical and programmatic requirements and considers the adequacy of model philosophy, facilities availability, planning and costing. * Define plans and specifications with clear Success Criteria and support the generation of test procedures with the Functional Platform team. * Drive the technical discussions, preparation, organization and execution of the system verification campaigns, to ensure the closure of all system verification aspects, including nominal and off nominal spacecraft behaviors. * Organise the different reviews for incremental progress and ultimate closure of verification events. * Generate reports and drive the closure of the Items for Verification and Validation covered by the campaign. * Collaborate with all Functional Chain responsible and engineering disciplines to prepare and perform the system activities. * Process the anomalies occurring during the verification campaign in coordination with the Product Assurance Team and the rest of the Engineering Team. What we would love to see from you In the role of System Integration Senior Engineer ideally, you will have the following: * Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, or another related field. * 5 to 10 years of experience in systems design, analysis, and testing of aerospace or space-related systems, with a focus on integration of complex spacecraft and/or testing activities. * Hands-on hardware experience. * Practical experience / contact with functional test platforms, such as software in the loop, hardware in the loop, and bench testing. * Experience in the development and verification of space hardware. * Spacecraft systems knowledge. Skills and Behaviours * Strong oral and written communication skills * Strong analysis and problem-solving skills * Strong organizing and prioritization of tasks * Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done * Ability to communicate at all levels of the business * Demonstrates behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Mission, Vision, Integrity, Excellence and Teamwork * Space enthusiast: ready to change the European space industry * Ability to thrive in a high paced development environment 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.
WHO WE ARE At Proxima Fusion, we're driven by a bold mission – to redefine the future of sustainable energy. Our unique concept, built upon the groundbreaking W7-X stellarator and the latest advances in technology, paves the way for commercially viable fusion power plants. What’s more, our work in stellarator optimization, powered by cutting-edge computation and machine learning, is propelling us into uncharted territories of fusion technology. New higher performance design points are unlocked by high temperature superconducting magnets. To fully grasp this huge opportunity, we’re building a team of extremely dedicated and passionate people who come together driving something extraordinary, radically transforming technology in the world. WHY JOIN PROXIMA FUSION * You will get to work on some of the most complex tech challenges to bring abundant, safe, clean energy to the world. * You'll get to join and learn from an exceptional selection of accomplished and driven individuals. * Do your life’s best work and enjoy the journey. * Get to show that big things are possible in Europe when you assemble the best talent. YOUR IMPACT At Proxima Fusion, we are designing the first generation of fusion power plants to provide the world with clean, carbon-free energy. The density of the plasma in the reactor needs to be managed actively through fueling and the primary means to do so will be by injection of frozen hydrogen isotope pellets. We are looking for a versatile engineer to complement our team. You will work on progressing the development of pellet injector technologies and integrated systems. Whether you are coding a 1-D model or selecting components for a test setup, your work will contribute directly to commercial fusion becoming a reality. WHAT YOU WILL DO This role is a blend of concept development, development of modeling and analysis tools, hands-on experimental work and supplier and partner management. 1. Design machines that accelerate 10K hydrogen isotope pellets into the plasma 1. Utilize active risk management to guide your decisions 2. Explore mitigation options to ensure feasibility 3. Design in CAD, ensure production feasibility 4. Manufacture prototypes to learn from physical reality 2. Modeling 1. Explore the design space by setting up the right models 2. Test and validate models against experimental data 3. Test components, subsystems and prototypes 1. Develop test methodology and plans 2. Define and develop diagnostics 3. Collaborate with established institutions 4. Conduct tests, owning data acquisition and analysis WHO YOU ARE * We are looking for a versatile engineer who knows how to select materials, program a quick tool and plan a test campaign. * Background: Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or related field. * The "Maker" Mindset: You are someone who can solder a sensor to a cable before adapting the data evaluation tool you wrote. * Technical Breadth: Ideally, you have experience in at least two of the following: Mechanical Design, Cryogenics, Vacuum, Testing and Diagnostics. * Skilled in Technology Evaluation: You have experience with early stage, first-principles modelling and simulation, particularly as applied to technology trade studies; experience with Python is a strong plus. * Adaptability: You thrive in a startup environment where the scope of activities can shift. If you have a unique skill (like high-power lasers or high-energy ballistics), we can adjust the role to leverage it. INTERVIEW PROCESS * Recruiter Interview (30-60 min) * Technical Screening (30 min) * Technical Panel (3x60 min) * CEO call (30 min) This role sits at L2/L3 of our framework, please inquire during the recruitment process for further information At Proxima Fusion, our mission is bold: making limitless clean energy a reality. To get there, we need a high-performing, diverse team that brings different perspectives, challenges assumptions, and builds together with purpose. We know that diversity of thought and experience leads to better ideas, stronger execution, and a more resilient team. We don’t look at how you identify, what you look like, who you choose to worship or what ethnicity you are. We care about what you can bring to the table.