Senior Additive Manufacturing Materials Engineer

The Exploration Company; Düsseldorf; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Job summary

The Exploration Company in Düsseldorf is seeking a Senior Materials Engineer specializing in Additive Manufacturing. The successful candidate will develop processes, collaborate on innovative hardware solutions, and ensure compliance with industry standards including NASA regulations. A degree in Engineering or Materials Science, alongside proven experience in AM processes, is necessary. Join us to help shape the future of aerospace technology in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Strong experience with additive manufacturing processes such as laser powder bed fusion.
• Familiarity with NASA or aerospace industry standards is highly desirable.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment producing hardware.

Responsibilities

• Develop materials development plans for new processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support innovation.
• Support the qualification of AM components to industry standards.

Skills

Additive Manufacturing processes

Material properties testing

Analytical problem-solving

Communication

Project management

Education

Engineering degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or Materials Science

Tools

CAD and simulation software (e.g., NX Suite, ANSYS)

Job description

Location

Düsseldorf

Employment Type

Full time

Location Type

On-site

Department

MAIT AIT

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 talented Additive Manufacturing Senior Materials Engineer to join our mission and contribute significantly to the development and in‑house production of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies for our propulsion products powering all our space vehicles.

Role Overview

The ideal candidate will play a key role in the qualification and development of AM processes, including the definition and characterization of print parameters for new materials on larger, more productive machines. This role also involves supporting the certification of AM components to meet high industry standards, including NASA regulations. You will help implement large‑scale Directed Energy Deposition (DED) processes and develop functionally graded or bi‑metallic components. This is a versatile position with broad responsibilities in additive manufacturing reporting to TEC's Lead for AM.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute materials development and maturation plans for new processes using established alloys, and for existing processes with new alloys.

• Serve as a Senior Materials Engineer for AM projects, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to support the development and production of innovative components and systems.

• Operate AM machines in a development environment as needed.

• Assist in the development of new alloys for AM, including maturation of atomization methods and creation of powder specifications.

• Support the qualification and testing of AM processes to ensure compliance with industry standards and performance requirements.

• Conduct tests to analyze samples and validate process parameters.

• Collaborate on the certification of AM processes and parts, particularly those required to meet NASA and aerospace standards.

• Develop post‑process heat treatment procedures and specifications.

• Document results and contribute to technical reports and procedures related to AM process qualification and development.

• Troubleshoot and improve AM processes for enhanced performance and reliability.

• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in AM technologies and materials.

• Work closely with engineering, quality, and certification teams to ensure alignment on standards and deliverables.

• Responsible for onsite materials and powder characterization equipment & laboratory, including selection of equipment, budget for consumables and maintenance, training and standard operating procedures.

• Act as an onsite quality organization delegate.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.

• Strong experience with AM processes such as laser powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition.

• Strong knowledge of material properties, behavior, testing, and characterization—especially metals used in aerospace applications.

• Familiarity with additive manufacturing standards, including NASA or aerospace industry standards, is highly desirable.

• Experience working in a manufacturing environment producing and delivering hardware.

• Strong analytical skills and a hands‑on approach to problem‑solving.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in both internal and external teams.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to a dynamic work environment.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with materials modeling, including microstructure and property prediction.

• Proficiency in CAD and simulation software (e.g., NX Suite, ANSYS).

• Familiarity with process qualification and statistical analysis tools.

• Knowledge of quality control methodologies for AM parts, including non‑destructive testing (NDT).

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.

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

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.