[Nyx Earth] Valve / Component Test Engineer

The Exploration Company; Bordeaux; Sur place; EUR 55 000 - 75 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The Exploration Company in Bordeaux, France, is developing Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle. You will join as a Valve / Component Test Engineer to plan and execute test campaigns that qualify solenoid isolation valves for our storable propulsion system, covering functional, leak, and life-cycle testing.

In this role you will define test criteria, set up benches and instrumentation, analyze results, and work with design and manufacturing teams to drive root-cause resolution.

Qualifications

• B.S. in mechanical or aerospace engineering; 3+ years hands-on test experience with valves or fluid components.
• Experience with functional, leak, and life-cycle testing of solenoid or similar valves.
• Familiarity with propellant test-safety practices is a strong plus.
• Experience with DAQ systems and instrumentation.
• Root-cause investigation experience.
• Familiarity with NASA/ECSS standards.

Responsabilités

• Plan and develop test plans and procedures for valve qualification and life testing.
• Execute functional, leak, environmental, and life-cycle tests on solenoid valves.
• Set up and operate test benches and data acquisition systems.
• Investigate anomalies and drive root-cause conclusions with engineering teams.
• Design and maintain test fixtures and safe operating procedures.

Connaissances

Valve testing

Root-cause investigation

DAQ systems experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Autonomous work style

Formation

B.S. in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Outils

DAQ instrumentation

Pressure sensors

Flow sensors

Position sensors

Description du poste

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 a talented Valve / Component Test Engineer, you will plan and execute the test campaigns that qualify and accept solenoid isolation valves for our storable propulsion system — from functional and leak testing through life-cycle and propellant-compatibility testing.

Role Overview

Test Planning & Procedure Development

• Develop test plans and procedures for solenoid isolation valve qualification, acceptance, and life testing (functional response, leak, proof/burst, cycle life, propellant compatibility).

• Define test success criteria and correlate them with valve functional and performance requirements.

• Support V&V planning in coordination with system functional and design engineers.

Test Execution & Data Acquisition

• Execute functional, performance, and environmental test campaigns on solenoid valves (cold flow, vacuum, thermal, vibration, EMI where applicable).

• Set up and operate test benches, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems for valve response time, leak rate, and flow characterization.

• Reduce and analyze test data, comparing results against predictions and requirements.

Anomaly Investigation & Root Cause

• Investigate test anomalies — leakage exceedances, actuation failures, response time drift — and lead root cause analysis.

• Support disposition of non-conformances and coordinate corrective actions with design and manufacturing.

• Document test results and anomalies for certification and configuration traceability.

Test Facility, Tooling & Safety

• Design and maintain test fixtures, GSE, and facility setups for valve testing, including propellant-compatible test benches.

• Ensure safe handling procedures for test operations, particularly where storable/hypergolic propellant simulants or fluids are used.

• Continuously improve test infrastructure, automation, and data processing tools.

Key Responsibilities

Location

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.

What we would love to see from you

• B.S. in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with 3+ years of hands‑on test engineering experience with valves or fluid components.

• Experience with functional, leak, and life-cycle testing of solenoid or similar valves.

• Familiarity with storable/hypergolic propellant test safety practices is a strong plus.

• Experience with DAQ systems and instrumentation (pressure, flow, position sensors).

• Root‑cause investigation experience.

• Familiarity with applicable test standards (e.g., NASA, ECSS, or equivalent).

Skills and Behaviours:

• A hands‑on approach to problem‑solving, combined with a collaborative mindset to work across multidisciplinary teams

• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask

• Capability of working autonomously whilst collaborating productively with remote teams

• Positive and flexible attitude in a constantly evolving environment

• Grit to get the job done

• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences

• Behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Commitment, Innovation, Trust, Quality, and Teamwork

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.