Propulsion Data & Modeling Engineer

The Exploration Company; Castres-Gironde; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Exploration Company in France is seeking a Propulsion Functional Systems Engineer to bridge design and hardware testing for Nyx Earth Propulsion System Development Models. You will develop analysis, post processing, and prediction tools to support propulsion subsystems and ensure test setups reflect flight configurations.

You will work with design and test teams, provide on-site support during campaigns, update fluid models with test results, and deliver clear reports.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in a related Engineering discipline is required.
• +3 years of experience in complex fluid systems, fluidic modeling, data analysis and post processing.
• Strong fundamentals in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and combustion.
• Familiarity with test facilities or storable propulsion systems is an asset.
• Experience with propulsion systems storable or cryogenic fluids is a plus.
• Proficiency in Python for fluid analyses, data post processing and model anchoring.
• Experience in EcosimPro (or similar software) for high fidelity analysis.
• Proficiency in conducting fluid analyses using classical hand calculations.
• Excellent collaboration skills and fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Develop analysis, post processing, and prediction tools to support propulsion testing and design.
• Define test setups and ensure representativeness for flight systems and testability.
• Create test plans, data acquisition, analysis and reporting to assess system performance.
• Design propulsion analysis tools and post processing utilities to support maturation.
• Collaborate with design and test teams to anchor fluid models to test data.
• Provide on-site support during propulsion test campaigns and analyze results in real-time.
• Conduct pre-test and post-test reviews and elaborate test reports.
• Update and correlate fluid models based on test results and insights.
• Communicate findings and identify key performance indicators and critical scenarios.

Skills

Fluid modeling

Data analysis

Python

Thermodynamics

Fluid dynamics

Combustion basics

Analytical thinking

English fluency

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

EcosimPro

Job description

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

The heart of a spacecraft lies in its propulsion system, and that's why we, at The Exploration Company, are dedicated to developing our own cutting‑edge Propulsion Systems ensuring the highest level of efficiency and reliability in our space endeavours.

We want you as a talented Propulsion Functional Systems Engineer to contribute to the development, testing, analysis, prediction and refinement of the functional architecture for Nyx Earth Propulsion System Development Models.

In order to derisk and gain confidence on the flight propulsion system, different development models are being built in order to run a multitude of tests spanning from functional tests, cold flows to system level hot fires. This testing will allow for the verification and validation of all the propulsion subsystems. You will be responsible for bridging the gap between design and hardware testing for the Nyx spacecraft propulsion system. As such, you will work closely with both the design and testing teams to ensure seamless integration and validation of propulsion subsystems.

You will report to the Propulsion Development Models Principal Engineer.

Key responsibilities:

In your capacity as a Propulsion Functional Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for the development of analysis, post processing, and prediction tools that can support testing and design activities linked to the propulsion sub‑systems.

Your role will be continuously evolving, but day‑to‑day responsibilities will include:

During the Design Phase:

• Work closely with the pressure and feed system engineers to define the best configuration of the test setups, ensuring a high level of representativeness and testability to conduct all fluid modelling and analyses to verify repeatability of the test rigs with the flight systems and to perform test predictions.

• Support on the creation of test plans for propulsion subsystems (from a modeling perspective), including data acquisition, analysis, and reporting to ensure the performance of the system can be assessed.

• Design and develop propulsion analysis and post processing tools, to support testing activities and design maturation

• Work in close collaboration with the pressure and feed system engineers to ensure the anchoring of the different fluidic models and assess against test data

During testing phase:

• Provide on‑site support during propulsion test campaigns, working closely with the test operator and test conductor.

• Perform test campaigns, analysing in real‑time, through different test parameters and ensure test results with timely resolution of any anomaly arising during testing.

• Conduct pre‑test and post‑test reviews and elaborate the test reports.

• Update and correlate the fluidic models based on test results.

• Provide actionable insights to identify key performance indicators and potential critical scenarios

What we would love to see from you:

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a related Engineering discipline.

• +3 years of related experience in complex fluid systems, fluidic modeling, data analysis and data post processing.

• Strong engineering fundamentals in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and combustion principles.

• Familiarity with test facilities, or storable propulsion systems is an asset

• Experience in propulsion systems storable or cryogenic fluidic systems is a plus.

• Proficiency in python for fluid analyses, data post processing and model anchoring.

• Experience in EcosimPro (or similar software) for the high fidelity analysis of numerical twins.

• Proficiency in conducting fluid analyses using classical hand calculations

• Excellent collaboration skills for working effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

• Fluency in English.

Skills and Behaviours:

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Strong analysis and problem‑solving skills.

• Strong organizing and prioritization of tasks.

• Strong team player with a proactive mindset.

• Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done.

• Ability to communicate at all levels of the business.

• Demonstrates behaviours consistent with The Exploration Company's core values of Mission, Vision, Integrity, Excellence and Teamwork.

• Space enthusiast, ready to change the European space industry.

• Nice to have, Ecosim experience

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.