Lunar Lander Procurement Manager

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 want you as an AIT Manager to help us in our mission by leading the AIT activities for our lunar lander projects. You will be successful in this role if you are able to help us: * Handling the setup and running of the test facilities in the UAE * Implementing the AIT processes for The Exploration Company * Prepare, execute and manage the assembly, integration and testing of our lunar landers KEY RESPONSIBILITIES In your capacity as Lunar Lander AIT Manager, your role will be continuously evolving, but day to day your duties will include: * You will be responsible for the execution of AIT activities, leading other engineers and technicians but supporting directly the execution of the operations * You will be responsible to define the budget of the means and people to deliver the Lunar Lander * You will be in interface with design and program teams to influence decisions to reach cost and time effective design leading to lean integration and test processes * You will write AIT plans and define procedures lists * You will be largely involved in the resolutions of anomalies happening during the integration and tests * You will manage the reports to be done at the end of the operations/tests * You will give your feedback and report on any blockage or problem during the AIT and will work to propose improvements and fixes * You lead the design and support the procurement of the specific GSE that will have been internally designed * You will support the purchase of all the equipment (COTS or not) needed to run the AIT activities (tools, generic GSE) * You will manage hiring engineers and technicians needed to run the AIT activities * You will perform risk assessment of AIT activities * You will set up the AIT team and integration hall in the UAE WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU In the role of Lunar Lander AIT Manager ideally, you will have the following: * Advanced engineering degree (Master or PhD) * 10+ years of experience in the aerospace sector, with a focus on executing late-stage projects * 10+ years of experience in the AIT of aerospace vehicles * Experience in setting up AIT facilities * Organized and rigorous * Hands-on approach * Inventive and problem solver, team spirit Regarding your skills and behaviors, we expect: * Leadership 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 Vision, Mission, Teamwork, Integrity and Excellence 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. At The Exploration Company, we are developing next-generation space transportation systems, including a lunar lander capable of precision landing and reusable operations. To support this effort, we are establishing a dedicated remote test site in the United Arab Emirates to perform hot-fire propulsion testing and hopper flight demonstrations.   As a Lunar Lander Test Bench Development Engineer, you will lead the design, development, and deployment of this new test facility from concept to operations. The role combines propulsion test infrastructure design, cryogenic fluid systems engineering, civil infrastructure coordination, and end-to-end project execution in a remote environment.   This position requires periodic travel to the UAE during site development, commissioning, and operations phases.   KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / TASKS In this role, your responsibilities will evolve with project maturity. Day-to-day duties will include:   Test Site Development * Define and synthesize system-level requirements for a remote lunar lander test site supporting hot firing and hopper flight testing. * Lead the design and implementation of the complete facility, including ground infrastructure and utilities. * Specify and implement propellant and pressurization systems including Liquid Oxygen, Liquid Methane, Helium, and Nitrogen. * Design infrastructure enabling autonomous operation of a remote site (power generation, storage, logistics, safety systems).   Fluid and Cryogenic Systems Engineering * Develop P&IDs for propulsion test facilities and associated ground support equipment. * Design, size, and select components for cryogenic and high-pressure fluid systems. * Ensure safe handling, storage, and distribution of cryogenic propellants and pressurants.   Infrastructure and Civil Engineering Coordination * Define facility layout, foundations, structural interfaces, and site infrastructure requirements. * Coordinate with civil engineering partners to implement test stands, safety perimeters, and support buildings. Safety, Automation, and Operations * Define and implement automation architectures for test operations and facility control, including safe connections with the vehicle to test. * Develop and validate safety-critical systems protecting personnel, hardware, and environment. * Perform hazard analyses (FMEA, HAZOP, risk assessments) and implement mitigation measures. * Develop test procedures, operational concepts, and commissioning plans.   Project Leadership * Lead end-to-end development of the test facility including design, procurement, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and operations readiness. * Manage technical interfaces with internal teams, customers, and external suppliers. * Perform trade-off analyses to optimize performance, safety, cost, and schedule. * Support on-site deployment, integration, and test campaigns.   WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU * Degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, energy systems, or a related field. * 5+ years of experience in propulsion test facilities or hot-fire test bench development. * Strong expertise in fluid systems engineering, including cryogenic propellants. * Experience designing or operating ground support equipment for rocket propulsion systems. * Knowledge of automation systems and safety-critical control architectures for industrial or test environments. * Experience coordinating infrastructure or facility development in industrial or remote environments. * Demonstrated project management capability across multidisciplinary engineering activities. * Hands-on engineering mindset with strong problem-solving ability. * Excellent communication skills and ability to work across international teams. * Willingness to travel to and work periodically in the United Arab Emirates.   Location: Bordeaux (France) in a first step and test campaign of few months in UAE.   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 we scale our vehicle portfolio, we are growing the team responsible for bringing these vehicles to life. ROLE OVERVIEW As Assembly Integration and Testing Lead Engineer, you will own end-to-end vehicle manufacturing at TEC — from the first component arriving on the floor to the final acceptance hand-over. You will ensure that all TEC vehicles (Capsule, Lunar Lander, and Satellites) are delivered On Time, On Quality, On Cost (OTOQOC). Leading a multidisciplinary AIT organization, you will set the technical and operational standards that define how TEC builds spacecraft. Direct reports include: • GSE (Ground Support Equipment) • Mechanical / Propulsion / Thermal • Operations • Electrical Functional Test   KEY RESPONSIBILITIES In your capacity as Lead AIT, your role will be continuously evolving, but day to day your duties will include: Vehicle Realisation & OTOQOC • Ensure all TEC vehicles (Capsule, Lunar Lander, Satellites) are assembled, integrated, and tested On Time, On Quality, and On Cost. • Define, implement, and enforce AIT plans, procedures, and schedules across all programmes. • Drive non-conformance resolution and lessons-learned processes to continuously raise the quality bar. • Ensure full traceability and compliance of AIT activities with applicable quality, safety, and reliability standards (ESA, NASA, or equivalent). Team Leadership • Lead, mentor, and develop the AIT team across GSE, Mechanical/Propulsion/Thermal, Operations, and Electrical Functional Test functions. • Set clear objectives, KPIs, and development plans for direct reports and the broader AIT organisation. • Foster a culture of extreme ownership, rigour, and continuous improvement on the shop floor and respect of rules for Flight hardware building (double check, cleanliness etc…). Budget & Resource Management • Own and manage the AIT budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently across programmes. • Build and maintain multi-year budget forecasts aligned with the vehicle development roadmap. • Identify cost optimisation opportunities without compromising schedule or quality. Operational Planning & Infrastructure • Anticipate and plan operational needs including cleanroom and integration hall floor space (SQM), infrastructure upgrades, and tooling procurement. • Manage the procurement and qualification of all AIT tooling, GSE, and test equipment. • Ensure facilities and infrastructure scale in line with the vehicle production ramp-up. Cross-functional Collaboration • Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Programme Management to ensure seamless transition from design to hardware. • Represent AIT in programme reviews, customer audits, and milestone gates. • Interface with external partners, test facilities, and launch service providers as required.   WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU In the role of Lead AIT, ideally, you will have the following: • 10 to 15 years of experience as an AIT Manager on equivalent space vehicles (spacecraft, launchers, satellites, or planetary landers), with a demonstrable track record of delivering OTOQOC. • Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary AIT teams covering mechanical, electrical, propulsion, thermal, and GSE functions. • Deep technical expertise in spacecraft AIT processes, including MAIT planning, work instruction authoring, hazardous operations, and acceptance test campaigns. • Strong budget management skills, with experience owning multi-million-euro AIT budgets and reporting to senior leadership. • Demonstrated experience anticipating and planning for operational infrastructure needs: cleanroom SQM, cranes, vacuum chambers, vibration rigs, tooling. • Solid knowledge of space industry standards (ECSS, ESA, NASA) and their practical application in an AIT context. • Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills: you communicate clearly, make decisions under pressure, and bring your team with you. • Hands-on mindset — you are equally comfortable in a management review and on the shop floor. • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment where priorities evolve and resourcefulness is valued. • Fluent in English; French or German is a plus.   BONUS POINTS • Experience with multiple vehicle types (e.g., satellite + crewed vehicle + lander) across different mission profiles. • Exposure to serial production ramp-up in a space context. • Familiarity with New Space operating models and the associated pace and culture. • Experience interfacing with launch campaign teams and range safety. 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.