
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.
We want you as a talented Supply Chain Manufacturing Engineer (Metals) to help us in our mission by supporting the design team to
structures,
products.
You will have a key responsibility at the technical crossroad between vehicle design team, product assurance team and procurement
team. Your role will be continuously evolving, but day to day your duties will include:
intended product owner guidance you act as a technical liaison between the company and its suppliers, facilitating clear and
open communication to address any manufacturing related issue promptly.
requirements.
on NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) and material certifications.
models up to final flight models, in accordance with schedule.
metal bending, additive manufacturing, and specialized joining (e.g. welded structures).
related area.
sheet metal bending, coating, heat treatment, ALM (Additive Layer Manufacturing), and forging.
and the associated inspection standards.
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.
ABOUT US STARK is a new kind of defence technology company, revolutionizing the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments. We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe. YOUR MISSION As a Mechanical Design Engineer at STARK, you will be the architectural force behind the physical hardware that carries our cognitive core into the field. You will lead the design and development of complex components and assemblies, translating ambitious technical concepts into operational products that can withstand the rigors of contested environments. You will work hand-in-hand with our systems, stress, and electrical engineering teams, pairing rigorous mechanical design with rapid hardware iteration. You will be responsible for navigating fast-paced engineering projects with tight deadlines, ensuring that every bracket, housing, and structural element is optimized for performance and mass-scalability. This role is about ownership and leadership: taking a product from an initial whiteboard concept to a final, production-ready state. You will not just be making drawings; you will be defining the physical standards of the next generation of autonomous defence technology. RESPONSIBILITIES * CAD Development: Create and maintain high-fidelity models, assemblies, and detailed technical drawings using CATIA V5/V6 within the 3DEXPERIENCE environment. * Standards & Precision: Define and enforce best practices for parametric modeling, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), and complex tolerance stack-ups to ensure assembly reliability. * Validation: Collaborate closely with stress engineers for load path validation and participate in critical Design Reviews (PDR/CDR) to ensure mission success. MANUFACTURING & PROCESS INTEGRATION * Material Selection: Drive decisive material and process selection, focusing on structural layout and manufacturability to meet aggressive weight and strength targets. * DFM/DfAM: Apply expert knowledge of Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), injection molding, CNC machining, and sheet metal fabrication to streamline the transition from prototype to series production. * Tooling & Testing: Design and develop critical operating equipment and specialized test benches required to validate subsystems and accelerate program velocity. * Cross-Functional Coordination & Supply Chain * Interdisciplinary Alignment: Collaborate with Electrical Engineering, Production, and Procurement to translate abstract product requirements into measurable quality objectives and repeatable manufacturing processes. * Supplier Engagement: Oversee technical engagement with external suppliers for structural components and secondary assemblies, ensuring design intent is maintained through delivery. * Execution: Identify blockers in the design-to-production pipeline and proactively push issues to resolution to maintain program momentum. QUALIFICATIONS * Experience: 2+ years of experience as a CAD Engineer or Mechanical Design Engineer with a proven focus on manufacturing processes and complex assemblies. * Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a comparable technical field. High proficiency in CATIA V5 (Part Design, Assembly Design, Generative Shape Design). * Mindset: Mission-driven, decisive, and pragmatic. Thrives in ambiguity. You act like an owner and would rather build and iterate than wait for permission. * Communication: High proficiency (C1/C2) in both English and German, capable of communicating complex technical context to both local technicians and international leadership. * Security: Must be a citizen of a NATO member state (due to export control and security regulations).
WHO WE ARE Proxima Fusion is Europe’s fastest-growing fusion company and the continent’s best-funded fusion player, as well as the first spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP). Backed by over €650M and powered by a growing team across Munich, Zurich, and Oxford, we are developing the hardware and infrastructure needed to deliver the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion power plant. Our concept advances the most mature fusion technology out there, the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator, through two next-generation machines: Alpha and Stellaris. Our work combines stellarator optimization, advanced computation, machine learning, and high-temperature superconducting magnets to unlock higher-performance designs that were previously out of reach. Turning these designs into a functioning fusion power plant requires excellence and ownership across every discipline, from physics and engineering to software, manufacturing, law, and business functions. 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 As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will take ownership of developing assembly strategies and work packages for our stellarator machine program, one of the most critical and technically demanding elements of our first integrated prototype. This role sits at the intersection of engineering rigour and hands-on execution, defining how complex fusion machine systems are assembled safely, precisely, and on schedule. SECONDMENT PROGRAM DETAILS This position is part of a unique secondment program in collaboration with ITER, through their IPA (ITER Project Associates) scheme. You will be hired by Proxima Fusion and, for the first 12 months, embedded at the ITER Organization in Cadarache, France, gaining direct, hands-on experience at the world's largest fusion experiment. Following the secondment, you will relocate to Munich to continue your career at Proxima Fusion. WHAT YOU WILL DO * Develop fusion machine assembly engineering work packages based on system engineering inputs, including review of technical data, confirmation of assembly strategies, and identification of open points in the process. * Verify and validate input data provided to external suppliers, and review installation work packages they prepare in return. * Prepare technical documents covering specification, execution, and surveillance of machine assembly work packages. * Survey and monitor construction work through to completion, maintaining responsibility for safety, quality, and schedule. * Define process interfaces between components, systems, and associated tooling, proposing layouts, concepts, and alternative strategies to resolve assembly challenges, improve quality, and optimise cost and schedule. * Contribute to the design of assembly tools and ensure applicable quality and safety measures are upheld throughout. * Support the development and ongoing maintenance of the overall machine assembly strategy. * Implement technical controls for safety-critical requirements and ensure their propagation across the external supply chain. WHO YOU ARE * Master's degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or a comparable field; relevant experience and additional training certificates may be considered in lieu of formal education. * At least 5 years' experience in the construction of large industrial, big science, or nuclear projects. * Good understanding of non-standardised design, construction, and assembly aspects related to experimental devices or high-technology equipment. * Experience in a nuclear or highly-regulated environment, with a solid grasp of nuclear safety principles, a strong advantage. * Proven ability to write technical specifications and documentation covering all aspects of assembly work, from desk to field. * Experience in contract monitoring and follow-up with external suppliers. * Knowledge of structural fabrication, welding, non-destructive testing (including ultra-high vacuum leak testing), and complex assemblies involving high-precision metrology (laser trackers/scanning). * Good working knowledge of QA systems and their practical application in a field environment. * Experience with assembly tooling design — including application of codes and standards, safety & quality, and tolerance management — is a plus. * Familiarity with lifting, handling, and transportation of heavy components and structures is an advantage. * Experience scheduling assembly activities and using scheduling software such as Primavera is an advantage. * Fluent in English (written and spoken). * Proficient in Microsoft Office; working knowledge of CATIA V5/Enovia. 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.
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 want you as a talented MAIT MGSE Engineer to help us in our mission by designing and delivering the MGSEs needed for the preparation of our next capsule. You will be successful in this role if you are able to help us: * Design and deliver the required MGSEs (mechanical + electro-mechanical) * Make calculation/stress analysis demonstrating good safety margins * Deliver the detailed design of the GSE (3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings) KEY RESPONSIBILITIES In your capacity as MAIT MGSE Engineer, your role will be continuously evolving, but day to day duties will include: * Conceptualise, design and deliver the MGSEs that we will need for assembly or testing activities. * Confirm with mechanical analysis/hand calculations that the design is compatible with the external loads. * Support also the design of automation parts, if any (electrical motors with variators and control to move some parts). * Discuss with suppliers the MGSE designs for ease of manufacturing and with the most adequate processes. * Follow up the manufacturing with the suppliers (with the support of our supply chain in Germany) and answer the technical questions/concerns they might face. * You will support the AIT technicians to install these MGSE if needed. WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU In the role of MAIT MGSE Engineer ideally, you will have the following: * Mechanical / Aerospace engineering degree or similar * Minimum 2 years of experience in CAD design (Siemens NX or similar) and FE analysis (Hypermesh or similar) * Background in / familiarity with design and FE analysis of steel structures (either welded or bolted) like test setups, jigs, fixtures, etc. * Experience with planning/execution of mechanical tests in-house would be a plus * Good communication * Creative with innovative ideas and technical problem solving/troubleshooting skills * Familiar with different manufacturing processes (e.g. machining, welding, etc.) * Basic hand-on experience with mechanical assembly and simple machining tools like drilling machine * Previous experience in space AIT and MGSE design would be highly appreciated * Good English skills (German would be a plus) 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.