AIT Propulsion Engineer

The Exploration Company; München; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Exploration Company in Munich is seeking an AIT Propulsion engineer to join our team developing Nyx, a modular orbital vehicle. You will help integrate and test propulsion systems, from large in-house engines to thrusters, pumps and igniters, in a hands-on, collaborative environment.

You will plan integration procedures, support qualification campaigns, work with design to ease assembly, and document results while contributing to continuous improvement with a pragmatic, team-oriented

Qualifications

• Successful completion of an Engineering degree (Master or PhD) in mechanical science / propulsion or equivalent.
• Understanding of liquid propulsion systems.
• Dual skills in mechanical assembly for integration and potentially small tool / GSE design, plus electrical test experience (data acquisition, sensors).
• Willingness to contribute to build and support a new team.
• Organized and rigorous with a hands-on approach and inventive problem-solving mindset.
• Strong team spirit and ability to communicate effectively across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Manage preparation of equipment integration and functional tests (PQM then FM).
• Manage qualification campaigns on mechanical components.
• Procure tools, FGSE, and test setups for AIT operations.
• Plan integration procedures and schedule.
• Work with design team to define optimal integration-friendly designs.
• Run assembly, integration, and testing operations on the capsule with a tight-knit team.
• Run functional tests (TVAC, outgassing, hydrostatic tests, proof test, Cv characterization, etc.).
• Clearly communicate and document integration and test results.
• Define lessons learned and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Propulsion engineering

Liquid propulsion

Mechanical assembly

Electrical testing (DAQ, sensors)

Python scripting

Teamwork

Documentation

Education

Master's or PhD in mechanical science / propulsion

Job description

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building innovative aerospace technologies that advance the future of space transportation.

We are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refueled in orbit, and which carries cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

We want you as a talented AIT Propulsion engineer to help us in our mission by supporting the integration and test of our products and equipment related to propulsion engines. That includes big engines (made in house), smaller thrusters, pumps, igniters etc…

You will be successful in this role if you are able to run these different tasks:

• Manage the preparation of the equipment integration and functional tests, first for the PQM (Propulsion Qualification Model) and then on the FM (Flight Model)

• Manage qualification campaigns on mechanical components

• Procuring tools, FGSE, and test setups needed for AIT operations

• Planning of integration procedures and schedule

• Work closely with the design team to define the best design that would ease the integration and test

• Running the assembly, integration, and testing operations on the capsule, with a tight-knit team

• Running the functional tests of the components (internal TVAC, outgassing, hydrostatic tests, proof test, Cv characterization, etc.)

• Clearly communicating and documenting integration and test results

• Defining lessons learns and making continuous improvement

What we would love to see from you:

In the role of AIT Propulsion engineer ideally, you will have the following:

• Successful completion of an Engineering degree (Master or PhD) in mechanical science / propulsion or equivalent

• An understanding of liquid propulsion systems

• Having the double skills:

  • mechanical assembly for integration and potentially small tool / GSE design

  • electrical skill for test (data acquisition system for sensors, simple programming of python scripts, harness etc…)

• Willingness to contribute to build and support a new team

• Organized and rigorous

• Hands-on approach

• Inventive and problem solver

• Team spirit

Skills and Behaviors

• Good 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 Commitment, Innovation, Trust, Quality, and Teamwork

Our mission

At The Exploration Company, we are democratizing space exploration i.e., by making it affordable, available, and open. Our high-impact team is driven by competence, impact, and efficiency. We are doers, team players, and problem solvers. Our culture is driven by technology, learning by doing, and passion for what we do.

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?

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.