High-Thrust Engine Chief Engineer — Visionary Lead

The Exploration Company; Bordeaux; On-site; EUR 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Exploration Company is seeking a High-Thrust Engine Chief Engineer to lead the Storm propulsion program, owning the technical vision, architecture, and lifecycle integrity of a LOX/LCH4 cryogenic engine. You will supervise multi-disciplinary teams, drive design trades, and ensure alignment with mission objectives from concept to prototype testing.

You will collaborate with the Storm Lead and Head of Propulsion to balance performance, cost, and schedule while maintaining engineering

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in propulsion engineering, systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
• 15+ years in liquid rocket engine development, including at least one full-scale or prototype program.
• Deep understanding of cryogenic propulsion systems, including design, integration, and test.
• Proven track record delivering complex aerospace systems from concept through flight.
• Experience with European space agencies.
• Leadership of multi-disciplinary technical teams; ability to arbitrate design trades.
• System-level requirements, interfaces, and verification management.
• Experience in engine hot-fire testing and anomaly resolution.
• Fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and define the Storm propulsion system roadmap.
• Own Storm system architecture and oversee cross-domain integration and technical reviews.
• Mentor teams, promote technical rigor, innovation, and accountability.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate system-level risks; lead critical design reviews.
• Coordinate with Storm Lead and other stakeholders on milestones, test readiness, and risk assessments.
• Drive continuous improvement in tools, methodologies, and team capabilities.

Skills

Technical leadership

System architecture

Risk management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

English fluency

Education

Master's degree in propulsion/aerospace engineering

Job description

The Exploration Company is seeking a High-Thrust Engine Chief Engineer to lead the Storm propulsion program, owning the technical vision, architecture, and lifecycle integrity of a LOX/LCH4 cryogenic engine. You will supervise multi-disciplinary teams, drive design trades, and ensure alignment with mission objectives from concept to prototype testing.

You will collaborate with the Storm Lead and Head of Propulsion to balance performance, cost, and schedule while maintaining engineering