Propulsion GSE Team Lead — High-Pressure Test Benches

Vsquared; Bordeaux; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Exploration Company is seeking an experienced Propulsion Ground Support Equipment Team Leader to guide the development, commissioning and operation of cryogenic and storables test benches for liquid propulsion systems.

You will lead a cross‑functional team, translate test requirements into hardware designs, and ensure safe, reliable test campaigns across multiple benches and sites. Fluency in English and travel to test facilities are expected.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering.
• Equivalent technical experience with a proven track record in complex fluid systems engineering may be considered.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in rocket propulsion testing, launch pad operations, or high‑pressure chemical processing plants.
• At least 2 years of experience leading engineering or technical teams.
• Advanced proficiency in developing and interpreting complex fluid schematics (P&IDs).
• Strong working knowledge of industrial fluid component selection (valves, regulators, check valves, etc.).
• Experience with 3D CAD modeling (NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks) for GSE packaging.
• Experience with fluid simulation tools.
• Knowledge of precision cleaning techniques for aerospace applications.
• Decisive leadership under high‑pressure testing schedules.
• Exceptional risk‑assessment capability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Capacity to travel to test sites and partner facilities as required.
• Fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering development of new test facility GSE, including high-pressure gas distribution systems, propellant feed systems, electrical network, control and data acquisition system, mechanical structures, etc.
• Translate test matrix requirements into hardware specifications, master P&IDs, and fluid system architectures
• Manage a cross‑functional team of mechanical, fluid, and instrumentation engineers and technicians
• Direct resource allocation across multiple test benches, manage development schedules, and ensure alignment between propulsion design teams and facility operations
• Oversee the structural fabrication, tube bending, welding, and mechanical assembly of GSE lines, panels, and thrust measurement structures
• Lead high‑pressure proof testing, leak checks, and system commissioning/decommissioning phases
• Establish protocols for handling hazardous fluids (both cryogenic and storable propellants)
• Enforce strict compliance with oxygen compatibility, system passivation, and precision cleanliness levels
• Manage data acquisition and control systems (DAQ/DCS) engineers and technicians to integrate sensors into the GSE infrastructure for automated test sequences
• Author structural and fluid safety calculations, hazard analyses, and standard operating procedures
• Maintain rigorous configuration control of test pad setups to ensure repeatable test conditions and audit readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Risk assessment

Communication

Travel readiness

Fluent English

Project management

Education

Master’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Chemical Eng

Equivalent technical experience

Tools

NX/CATIA/SolidWorks

P&IDs

DAQ systems

Fluid simulation tools

Oxygen compatibility standards

Job description

The Exploration Company is seeking an experienced Propulsion Ground Support Equipment Team Leader to guide the development, commissioning and operation of cryogenic and storables test benches for liquid propulsion systems.

You will lead a cross‑functional team, translate test requirements into hardware designs, and ensure safe, reliable test campaigns across multiple benches and sites. Fluency in English and travel to test facilities are expected.