Bordeaux, France Hybrid Employment

The Exploration Company is hiring a Propulsion Functional Engineer

About the Role

The Propulsion Functional Engineer will bridge theoretical design and physical hardware for Nyx, a modular and reusable orbital vehicle. This role involves defining the functional architecture of the propulsion system and ensuring subsystems operate correctly from ground operations through to recovery or disposal.

Responsibilities

  • Participate in evaluating and optimizing propulsion system concepts based on performance, mass, operational considerations, cost, and safety or reliability.
  • Support architecture trade studies, sensitivity analyses, and risk assessments, including component selection through make-or-buy evaluations.
  • Create and maintain functional performance models of propulsion systems using simulation tools such as EcosimPro and custom Python code.
  • Calibrate and validate models using available test data to ensure accuracy and reliability.
  • Contribute to Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to align system design with safety and reliability targets.
  • Define the Concept of Operations for the functional propulsion system, considering engine requirements and operational constraints.
  • Help establish functional requirements for propulsion subsystems including valves, regulators, and tanks based on system-level analyses.

Requirements

  • Master’s or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.
  • Minimum of two years of demonstrated experience developing and analyzing models with 0D–1D fluid simulation tools.
  • Strong knowledge of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and compressible flow principles.
  • Hands-on experience with cryogenic propulsion systems using Liquid Oxygen, Liquid Hydrogen, or Methane.

Nice to Have

  • Experience with storable propulsion systems is beneficial.
  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Proficiency in Italian, German, or French is advantageous.

Tech Stack

EcosimPro, Amesim, Python

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance is available for candidates needing to move.
  • Visa sponsorship is provided where applicable.
  • Agile environment with fast decision-making aligned with strategic goals.
  • Open and collaborative culture with transparency around risks and challenges.
  • Positive work atmosphere focused on shared enjoyment and mission-driven energy.

Work Arrangement

hybrid — Bordeaux, Munich — You will perform your duties principally at the Company's premises in Bordeaux and may be required to travel from time to time to our company’s premises in Munich in the course of your duties.

  • Agile
  • Open and Collaborative
  • Fun
  • Commitment
  • Innovation
  • Trust
  • Quality
  • Teamwork

Additional Information

  • Location: Work is primarily based in Bordeaux, with occasional travel required to the Munich site.
  • English fluency is mandatory.
  • Knowledge of Italian, German, or French is a plus.
  • The company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.
  • Prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.
  • Relocation support and visa sponsorship are offered where applicable.

Available

Required Skills
EcosimProAmesimPython EcosimProAmesimPython
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About company
The Exploration Company

We build accessible, sustainable, and cooperative space worlds.

Nyx is a modular, reusable, and in-orbit refillable space vehicle designed to serve space stations. Launching from any heavy launcher worldwide, Nyx safely and affordably carries cargo to and from low-Earth orbit and beyond.

With reusable thrusters, refillable engines, and advanced docking and re-entry capabilities, Nyx enables a new era of cooperative space exploration.

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Job Details
Department US & Future Programs / Future Propulsion
Category embedded
Posted 12 days ago