AIT Mechanical Technician

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 looking for a hands-on and rigorous AIT Test Technician to support the preparation, integration, execution, and reporting of environmental and functional test activities for spacecraft sub-systems and hardware. This role is critical to ensuring that all testing activities are executed safely, accurately, and according to procedures and quality standards. The ideal candidate is meticulous, structured, technically skilled, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced aerospace development environment. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES ENVIRONMENTAL TEST PREPARATION & EXECUTION * Support the setup, integration, and execution of environmental tests including: * Vibration testing * Shock testing * Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing * Ancillary testing activities * Prepare hardware, tooling, instrumentation, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) for test campaigns. * Install thermocouples, accelerometers, harnessing, and instrumentation according to test procedures and engineering requirements. * Operate environmental test equipment including vibration shaker, shock test facility, TVAC facility, and associated monitoring systems. * Perform pre-test and post-test inspections of test setups. * Support testing activities both internally and at external test facilities. PROCEDURES, DOCUMENTATION & REPORTING * Prepare and execute test procedures with adherence to safety, cleanliness, and quality standards. * Ensure all operations are properly documented and traceable. * Report, anomalies, and observations during operations. * Verify that tools, instrumentation, and measurement equipment comply with calibration requirements before use. TOOLING, EQUIPMENT & FACILITY SUPPORT * Maintain and organize tooling, sensors, adapters, cables, and test equipment. * Monitor the condition and calibration status of test assets and measurement equipment. * Perform first-level maintenance and troubleshooting on test equipment and support systems. * Support the integration and validation of new tooling and test setups. * Assist engineers in defining and improving test processes, setups, and operational workflows. * Ensure laboratory and test areas remain organized, safe, and operationally ready. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE * Technical degree or vocational training in aerospace, electronics, mechatronics, industrial systems, or a related technical field. * Experience in aerospace, automotive, defense, industrial testing, or other high-reliability technical environments. * Hands-on experience with environmental testing equipment such as vibration tables, thermal chambers, or instrumentation systems is highly desirable. * Familiarity with laboratory operations, instrumentation installation, and mechanical integration activities. * Experience working with calibrated equipment, controlled procedures, and technical documentation is a strong plus. EXPECTED TECHNICAL SKILLS * Ability to read and follow technical procedures and engineering drawings. * Experience with mechanical assembly and test setups. * Basic understanding of sensors and instrumentation systems. * Familiarity with torque tools, measurement equipment, and laboratory/test equipment. * Knowledge of safety procedures related to environmental testing activities. * Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities in technical environments. PERSONAL QUALITIES * Strong rigor and attention to detail. * Structured and disciplined way of working. * Hands-on mindset with a proactive attitude. * Ability to identify and communicate anomalies clearly and accurately. * Team player with good communication skills. * Reliable, organized, and accountable. * Comfortable working in fast-paced and evolving environments. * Excellent communication skills in English. 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 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.

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.