Vacuum Thruster Test Bench Technical and Team Leader

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.

NewOrbit Space

At NewOrbit Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight. We are currently building satellites that can operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. YOUR ROLE You will be the senior AIT authority on the AURA X programme, responsible for planning, developing, and executing the Assembly, Integration and Test campaign for the AURA X gridded-ion thruster and its satellite integration. You will own the AIT flow from engineering model through to flight model acceptance, defining procedures, managing GSE, and leading test campaigns across electrical, mechanical, and system-level activities. In addition to AIT, you will own the programme Quality Management System and Goods In function. As a lean team scaling towards flight, these responsibilities sit naturally within AIT - you will establish and maintain quality processes, define incoming inspection criteria, and be prepared to get hands-on with goods in when needed. You will report into the Programme Director and work across all engineering teams, setting and enforcing quality and AIT standards across the programme. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Define and own the programme AIT flow, master AIT schedule, and test philosophy from EM through FM acceptance. * Write, review, and approve all assembly procedures, test procedures, and integration sequences. * Define cleanroom requirements, contamination control procedures, and ESD/handling standards for the programme. * Identify, specify, and procure Ground Support Equipment (GSE), test fixtures, and specialist tooling. * Plan and lead AIT campaigns on engineering and flight models, including functional testing, environmental test campaigns (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMC), and electrical functional verification. * Manage non-conformance reports (NCRs) and lead dispositions in collaboration with the design team. * Interface with external test facilities and manage test readiness reviews, test witness, and data acceptance. * Interface with the satellite bus integrator to define and manage satellite-level integration requirements and ICD activities. * Own as-built records, travellers, test logs, and acceptance data packs to support full hardware traceability. * Mentor AIT technicians and engineers; build and maintain AIT process documentation and standards. * Own and maintain the programme Quality Management System - establishing quality processes, workmanship standards, and a non-conformance management framework appropriate to a scaling flight hardware programme. * Define goods in inspection criteria and procedures; oversee incoming inspection of purchased parts, materials, and components against purchase orders, drawings, and certificates of conformance. * Manage quarantine and disposition of non-conforming goods received from suppliers. * Maintain calibration records for all programme tooling and test equipment. * Own the programme parts inventory system - maintaining stock records for consumables, fasteners, materials, and critical components, setting minimum stock levels, and ensuring parts availability is confirmed ahead of every AIT campaign. * Raise procurement needs early based on upcoming campaign schedules, working with the wider team to avoid work stoppages caused by missing or late parts. FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS * Significant experience (5+ years) in AIT roles on spacecraft, satellite, or high-reliability programmes. * Demonstrated experience delivering flight hardware through full environmental test campaigns (TVac, vibration, EMC). * Thorough working knowledge of ECSS AIT and quality standards, particularly ECSS-E-ST-10-03 and ECSS-Q-ST-70. * Experience authoring and approving test and assembly procedures to flight standards. * Experience owning or contributing to a Quality Management System on a hardware programme. * Experience managing non-conformances, engineering dispositions, and supplier quality issues. * Experience with satellite-level electrical and mechanical integration. * Knowledge of contamination control and cleanroom operations. * Experience defining GSE requirements and overseeing procurement or in-house build. * Able to communicate effectively across design, test, and management teams. NICE-TO-HAVES * Experience on small satellite programmes or commercial space startups. * Familiarity with electric propulsion system integration. * Experience as principal or chief AIT engineer with full programme ownership. * Experience interfacing with launch authority and range safety. * ISO 9001 or AS9100 internal auditor qualification. PERSONALITY * Process-disciplined and exacting about standards, while pragmatic in a fast-moving development environment. * Natural authority - able to set and hold standards without being rigid or hierarchical. * Comfortable translating between design-engineer and hands-on-technician ways of thinking. * Calm under schedule pressure and experienced at making good decisions when hardware does not go to plan. WHY NEWORBIT SPACE? * Pioneering Space Technology – You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary ion propulsion system and ULEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and disrupt traditional LEO operations. * Unmatched Ownership and Impact – You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology. * Equity and Competitive Salary – You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success. * Comprehensive Benefits Package – Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc. * Hybrid Work - A hybrid setup with one dedicated remote day per week. * Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Support - We provide a relocation package and sponsor your visa if you’re joining us from abroad.

Aquark Technologies

Description: Aquark Technologies is a start-up with a vision to create disruptive technology in sensing and quantum computing by delivering the world’s most portable, scalable and high performing miniaturised cold atom systems. As a Vacuum Materials Scientist, you will directly develop the technology used to improve vacuum performance that underpins our quantum sensor technology. You will research, test, and define materials, coatings, and getter strategies, and design and interpret experiments to ensure our systems reliably achieve and maintain ultra-high vacuum over extended timescales. The understanding and development of stable alkali vapour systems, including achieving long-term control of vapour pressure and compatibility within sealed environments, will be key. This role sits within a research programme (funded by UKRI FLF) to transform traditional vacuum hardware into compact, robust, and scalable platforms, enabling a shift from bespoke laboratory setups to manufacturable, off-the-shelf solutions. Working at the intersection of vacuum science, materials engineering, and microfabrication within a fast-paced startup environment, you will collaborate with a driven team to deliver innovative, high-impact technologies while contributing to the growth of a dynamic and evolving company.   Responsibilities: * To improve vacuum quality and lifetime, including investigating appropriate materials, getters, gas permeation barriers, long-term sealing methods, and vacuum stability. * Develop alkali vapour systems, including ensuring stable and controllable rubidium operation under UHV conditions, and vapour cell environments. * Develop and apply modelling and simulation tools to predict vacuum performance, as needed. * Provide technical direction for experimental collaboration with other team members. * Carry out production coatings using established, optimised processes to deliver consistent and repeatable results, as needed.   Qualifications: Essential · PhD (or equivalent experience) in Physics, Materials Science, or a related field * Strong expertise in vacuum-compatible materials, surface interactions, ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems and vacuum physics (outgassing, permeation, leak detection).   Desirable * Knowledge of thin-film getter coatings * Experience with alkali vapour systems (e.g. rubidium) and sealed environments * Proven ability to design experiments and analyse data to guide technical decisions. * Ability to work independently, problem-solve, demonstrate initiative, and engage in continuous learning to adopt new skills. * Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines in a fast-paced R&D environment   Renumeration: * Total salary and bonus up to: £46,000 to £72,000 (salary dependent on experience) * Base salary: £39,428.57 to £61,714.29 * Company Milestone Bonus Scheme, up to: £6,571.43 to £10,285.71 (2x £3,285.71 to £5,142.86 payments). * Full earnings pension contribution: * Employer contribution – 3% * Employee contribution – 4% * Relief at source – 1%   Other Benefits: * Private Medical Insurance . * Group Life Insurance . * Employee Assistance Programme. * 26 Days of holiday + Public holidays. * Flexibility around core hours. * Regular company outings, team building and training opportunities. * Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice. * Encouraged learning to continue professional development.