Propulsion Test Engineer

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're looking for a hands-on Principal Engineer to lead the technical direction of our Test Bench Control System software platform. You will combine deep software engineering expertise with architectural ownership and product-level thinking to ensure our platform reliably supports integrated engine hot-fire testing — with an architecture that can extend to broader test and ground operations as the program matures. You will own the software platform that sits between test engineers and the real-time control layer: enabling operators to author, review, and deploy test sequences and configurable safety parameters onto PLC hardware — while providing the live data visualization, command interfaces, and traceability infrastructure that test campaigns depend on. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES In your capacity as a Principal Engineer, Test Systems Software you will: * Define and evolve the platform architecture spanning test sequence authoring, PLC configuration deployment, real-time data acquisition, and operator interfaces * Write production-grade code across the full stack while owning the technical roadmap and driving major architectural decisions * Translate test requirements and operational needs into feature specifications, managing scope and delivering incrementally toward operational capability * Build high-throughput data pipelines for real-time ingestion, processing, and visualization of high-rate sensor data * Design the full lifecycle for both operational sequences and configurable safety parameters * Define data acquisition standards including device configuration management and calibration traceability * Architect for high reliability, observability, and operational robustness in environments where software faults carry significant hardware and safety consequences * Collaborate with Test Bench Engineers, Propulsion, and Systems Engineering to align software capabilities with campaign requirements * Lead a multidisciplinary team of five — setting engineering standards, guiding code reviews and design reviews, and balancing development velocity with the rigorous quality bar required for safety-critical infrastructure WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU The ideal candidate will have: * 5+ years of professional software engineering experience with demonstrated architectural ownership and technical leadership * Strong backend expertise (e.g., Python, C#, or similar) with experience in real-time or near-real-time data processing pipelines * Experience with modern frontend technologies (TypeScript, Vue/React, WebSockets) for operator interfaces and live data dashboards * Experience with containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes) for deploying and operating distributed service architectures * Deep understanding of distributed systems, API design, and inter-process communication in low-latency environments * Experience designing software systems that integrate with PLCs or similar real-time controllers — understanding the boundaries between deterministic control and higher-level application logic * Familiarity with test bench infrastructure — instrumentation systems, sensor networks, command/response workflows, and procedural automation * Strong grasp of safety-critical software design: deterministic execution, fail-safe defaults, configuration validation, and safe deployment practices in systems where errors carry hardware consequences * Product ownership mindset with strong analytical thinking, technical judgment, and attention to detail * Motivation to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment with high accountability for system readiness Bonus qualifications: * Experience in aerospace, defense, or other safety-critical domains — particularly propulsion test operations or environmental test systems * Familiarity with Beckhoff TwinCAT or IEC 61131-3 programming * Knowledge of data acquisition hardware and software ecosystems (e.g., Beckhoff, Siemens, Measurement Computing) * Experience with hardware interface protocols and device communication (e.g., serial, CAN, Ethernet-based industrial protocols) 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 also developing advanced propulsion capabilities to support our reusable spacecraft programs. We are building a dedicated test capability for storable, hypergolic propulsion systems in the 100–800 N class. As a Nyx Test Bench Engineer, you will be part of the team that develops the propulsion test facility for legacy propellants (e.g., MON-class oxidizers and MMH-type fuels), from requirements definition through commissioning and operating the test facility. You will be part of the team that develops, commissions and operates the test facility. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / TASKS Design of Test Facility * Supporting development of a vacuum hot fire test facility which will be used to develop and qualify orbital thrusters - in tandem with the main designer/team leader * Translate propulsion test needs into facility, utilities, and ground support equipment requirements * Define instrumentation, data acquisition, and control systems for safe hot-fire testing. * Interface effectively with internal engineering teams, customers, and external partners. Assembly & Integration of Test Facility * Manage suppliers and manufacturing activities; support in integration and verification. * Support planning and execute commissioning, acceptance testing, and entry-into-service activities. Safety & Operation of Test Facility * Support hazard analyses (FMEA, HAZOP, risk assessments) and implement mitigation measures. * Develop procedures for handling, testing, maintenance, and emergency response. * Integration of thruster into test bench * Support operations of test facility and perform hot fire, cold flows, decontamination and maintenance activities * Perform maintenance activities of the test facility WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU * Degree in aerospace, propulsion system, mechanical, chemical engineering, or a related discipline. * 2+ years of hands-on experience with propulsion test benches, preferably with storable/legacy propellants. * Strong background in fluid systems, pressurized systems, and ground support equipment. * Knowledge of safety-critical systems, industrial automation, and test operations. * Excellent communication skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders. 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.