Propulsion AIT Engineer

Vsquared; Bordeaux; Hybrid; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

The Exploration Company seeks a Propulsion AIT Engineer to lead assembly, integration and test activities on Storm cryogenic engines. This hands‑on role interfaces with engineering, manufacturing, quality and test operations to turn propulsion designs into flight‑ready hardware.

As a young graduate in aerospace or mechanical engineering with rocket experience, you will help build thrust chamber assemblies, define tooling, perform leak checks and document results, while upholding safety and

Qualifications

• Fresh or early-career graduate in aerospace or mechanical engineering (Master's preferred).
• Experience with propulsion hardware is a plus.
• Fluent in English; able to document and communicate clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead the assembly and acceptance testing of Storm subcomponents, in particular the thrust chamber assembly.
• Participate in full engine builds, integrating components with structure and plumbing.
• Develop detailed assembly procedures and manufacturing documentation.
• Define tooling, fixtures and ground support equipment for engine assembly.
• Ensure assemblies meet cleanliness, contamination control and configuration management.
• Perform leak tests, pressure tests and instrumentation checks per procedures.
• Support hot‑firing test campaign preparation and readiness reviews.
• Record build data and non‑conformities in the ERP system.
• Investigate issues, identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

Mechanical integration

Quality and test readiness

English fluency

Education

Master's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

CAD

PLM

ERP

Manufacturing execution

Job description

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building spacecrafts for humanity.

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refueled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

Here at The Exploration Company, we want you as a highly talented Propulsion AIT Engineer to help us in our mission by leading Assembly, Integration and Test activities on Storm, our cryogenic engine. This is a hands‑on role at the interface between engineering, manufacturing, quality, and test operations. You will help turn propulsion designs into flight‑relevant hardware by supporting the build‑up and verification of thrust chamber assemblies and complete engines.

Key responsibilities:

In your capacity as a Propulsion AIT Engineer, your role will be continuously evolving, but day to day your duties will include:

• Lead the assembly and acceptance testing of Storm subcomponents, in particular the thrust chamber assembly
• Participate in full engine builds, integrating the thrust chamber assembly with the engine structure, fluid components, valves, instrumentation, pumps, piping, and other propulsion subsystems.
• Develop detailed assembly procedures, work instructions and manufacturing documentation
• Define tooling, fixtures and ground support equipment required for engine assembly
• Ensure assemblies comply with cleanliness, contamination control and configuration management requirements
• Perform leak checks, pressure testing, functional checks, instrumentation checks, and other verification or acceptance activities under approved procedures and relevant safety controls
• Support hot‑firing test campaign preparation, including hardware readiness reviews, tooling and equipment checks, procedure walk‑downs, and test article closeout
• Record build data, inspection results, non‑conformities, deviations, rework, and as‑built information in the ERP system
• Help investigate assembly or integration issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions in collaboration with engineering and quality teams
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of assembly processes, work instructions, tooling, ergonomics, and production readiness

Qualifications:

• Young graduate in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or another related field (master's and above preferred), preferably with rocketry experience or individual projects

What we would love to see from you:

• Experience assembling or integrating mechanical systems in a laboratory, workshop, production, or test environment, ideally related to propulsion, pressure systems, fluidic assemblies, or complex hardware
• Familiarity with CAD, PLM, ERP, manufacturing execution, or technical documentation systems
• Understanding with torque‑controlled assembly, cleanliness practices, FOD prevention, leak testing, pressure testing, or dimensional inspection
• Understanding of configuration management, non‑conformance management, root‑cause analysis, and quality documentation
• Exposure to manufacturing processes (e.g. machining, welding, additive manufacturing, surface treatments, inspections) and their impact on tolerances and performance is highly valued

• Rigor and attention to detail are core values in everything we do: you take the time to understand requirements, follow procedures precisely, check your work, and maintain accurate records.
• Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced environment, taking ownership of getting the hardware ready
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and communicating clearly about hardware status, risks, and constraints
• A passion for space exploration and the motivation to see propulsion hardware move from drawings to tested engines

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.