Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

Vsquared; Bordeaux; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Exploration Company is seeking a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to lead and execute engine and component tests, interpret results, and drive safety and reliability across test campaigns. You will work with cross-functional teams to evaluate propulsion hardware and contribute to future space missions.

You should have a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering (master's or PhD preferred) and hands-on experience with engine testing, propulsion chemistry, and thermodynamics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's or PhD in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field (master's and above preferred).
• Proficiency in propulsion chemistry, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
• Proven hands-on experience with engine testing or propulsion testing.
• Background in cryogenic propulsion is a big plus.
• Experience with propulsion simulation tools (e.g., CEA).
• Proficiency in python programming language is a plus.
• Exposure to CAD Software (Siemens NX, CATIA, or similar) and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance.
• Develop test plans, test objectives and schedules; lead daily test operations and generate test reports.
• Autonomously lead risk assessment analyses and define mitigation actions to ensure personnel and hardware safety during all test campaigns.
• Interpret P&IDs and generate test sequences, balancing the risk, needs of the test and the limits of the test bench and test article.
• Work hand in hand with development engineers, test bench team, AIT team and external partners to support all test operations on internal and external test facilities.
• Support rapid test data processing with component development engineers to guide the remainder of the test campaign and plan future test campaigns.
• Define, develop and update test procedures and guidelines to improve test operations.
• Preparing technical documentation, including detailed procedures, test reports, design reviews, and performance analyses.

Skills

Propulsion testing

Thermodynamics

Fluid dynamics

Python

CAD software

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

CATIA

CEA

Job description

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

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 Test Engineer, you will be responsible for the test and analysis of our future propulsion systems.

Key Responsibilities:

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

• Prepare and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance.

• Developing test plans, test objectives and schedules consistent with requirements and timelines; leading daily test operations and generating test reports.

• Autonomously leading risk assessment analyses and defining mitigation actions to ensure personnel and hardware safety during all test campaigns.

• Interpreting P&IDs and generating test sequences, balancing the risk, needs of the test and the limits of the test bench and test article.

• Working hand in hand with development engineers, test bench team, AIT team and external partners to support all test operations on internal and external test facilities.

• Supporting rapid test data processing with component development engineers to guide the remainder of the test campaign and plan future test campaigns.

• Defining, developing and updating test procedures and guidelines to improve test operations.

• Preparing technical documentation, including detailed procedures, test reports, design reviews, and performance analyses.

What we would love to see from you:

• Bachelor's, master's or PhD in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field (master's and above preferred).

• • Proficiency in propulsion chemistry, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.

  • Proven hands-on experience with engine testing or equivalent.

  • Background in cryogenic propulsion will be a big plus.

• Experience with commonly used simulation tools in propulsion testing (e.g., CEA).

• Proficiency in python programming language is a plus.

• Exposure to CAD Software (Siemens NX, CATIA, or similar) and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.

• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.

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.