Senior Propulsion AIT Engineer

The Exploration Company; Bordeaux; Sur place; EUR 70 000 - 100 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The Exploration Company is seeking a Senior Propulsion AIT Engineer to lead the industrialisation, assembly, integration and testing of our Storm and Typhoon engines. This hands-on role requires solving complex technical problems, defining robust assembly processes and leading critical AIT operations from component level to full engine testing.

You will mentor junior engineers, coordinate across engineering, manufacturing and test teams, and ensure compliance with cleanliness and configuration

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's or PhD in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in engine assembly, testing, or closely related fields (Senior Engineer).
• Hands-on experience with assembly and acceptance testing of engine components.
• Exposure to manufacturing processes (e.g. machining, welding, additive manufacturing, surface treatments, inspections) and their impact on tolerances and performance is highly valued.
• Solid understanding of fluid dynamics.
• Rigor and attention to detail.
• Solution-oriented mindset, with creativity and curiosity to tackle complex technical challenges.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsabilités

• Lead the assembly and integration of cryogenic propulsion hardware including turbopumps, valves, feed systems and complete engine assemblies.
• Develop detailed assembly procedures, work instructions and manufacturing documentation.
• Define tooling, fixtures and ground support equipment required for propulsion assembly.
• Ensure assemblies comply with cleanliness, contamination control and configuration management requirements.
• Prepare engine hardware for testing and support installation on test benches.
• Setup the engine production line in coordination with the site director and HSE.
• Provide review on design for manufacturability and design for testing.
• Support the transition from prototype manufacturing towards serial production.
• Provide technical leadership during critical propulsion assembly activities.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary activities across engineering, manufacturing and test teams.

Connaissances

Engine assembly and testing

Aerospace engineering

Hands-on problem solving

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Fluid dynamics

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Formation

Bachelors/Masters/PhD in aerospace/mechanical engineering

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.

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 which carries cargo – and potentially humans in the long run. We are also developing different types of propulsion systems to power our future vehicles and missions. As a talented Senior Propulsion AIT Engineer, you will be responsible for leading the industrialisation, assembly, integration and testing of our Storm and Typhoon engines. This position requires a hands‑on engineer who enjoys solving complex technical problems, defining robust assembly processes and leading critical AIT operations from component level to full engine testing.

Key Responsibilities / Tasks:

Assembly & Integration

• Lead the assembly and integration of cryogenic propulsion hardware including turbopumps, valves, feed systems and complete engine assemblies
• Develop detailed assembly procedures, work instructions and manufacturing documentation
• Define tooling, fixtures and ground support equipment required for propulsion assembly
• Ensure assemblies comply with cleanliness, contamination control and configuration management requirements
• Prepare engine hardware for testing and support installation on test benches

Industrialisation

• Setup the engine production line in coordination with the site director and HSE
• Provide review on design for manufacturability and design for testing
• Support the transition from prototype manufacturing towards serial production

Technical leadership:

• Provide technical leadership during critical propulsion assembly activities
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians
• Coordinate multidisciplinary activities across engineering, manufacturing and test teams

What we would love to see from you:

• Bachelor's, master's or PhD in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in engine assembly, testing, or closely related fields (Senior Engineer)
• Hands‑on experience with assembly and acceptance testing of engine components
• Exposure to manufacturing processes (e.g. machining, welding, additive manufacturing, surface treatments, inspections) and their impact on tolerances and performance is highly valued
• Solid understanding of fluid dynamics
• Rigor and attention to detail
• Solution‑oriented mindset, with the creativity and curiosity to tackle complex technical challenges
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams

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?

We’d love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey.

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.