Test Development Engineer

Exploration GmbH; Bordeaux; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Exploration Company is seeking a Test Development Engineer to join the propulsion team, developing test facilities for future propulsion systems and ensuring safe, reliable operation from design through commissioning.

You will synthesize requirements, perform trade studies, and collaborate across engineering disciplines to deliver validated test environments for cryogenic and high-pressure systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's or PhD in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field (Master’s and above preferred).
• 2-5 years of experience in propulsion, test facility development, experimental engineering, or a related field.
• Practical experience in the design, development, commissioning, or operation of test facilities, preferably for rocket propulsion systems.
• Experience in test facility design for cryogenic propulsion systems is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize test bench requirements from user and operator needs and plan required verification methods and tests.
• Translate engine test objectives and stakeholder needs into facility-level functional and performance requirements.
• Perform technical trade-offs to determine the best choice of hardware, software, equipment, component, location etc for various test facilities.
• Perform risk assessment analyses for future tests and developing mitigation actions to ensure personnel and hardware safety.
• Provide technical inputs to cost, schedule, procurement, commissioning, maintainability, and facility acceptance planning.
• Prepare and maintain P&IDs of test facilities based on test bench requirements and selecting components.
• Undertaking preliminary design of the ground support equipment with minimal oversight.
• Undertake hazard assessments of the test facility design (FMEA and HAZOPs) to determine if any additional changes to the design are required.
• Work with the current test bench team to coordinate end-to-end activities of the development of test facilities including design, reviews, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, test operations, ongoing upgrades and maintenance.
• Work with procurement, AIT and design teams during the development of test facilities to find the right balance of technical solutions, cost and lead time.
• Presenting findings to team members and participating in design reviews and project discussions.

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 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 Test Development Engineer, you will be part of the team that is responsible for the development of test facilities for our future propulsion systems.

Key Responsibilities / Tasks:

• Synthesise test bench requirements from user and operator needs and plan required verification methods and tests.
• Translate engine test objectives and stakeholder needs into facility-level functional and performance requirements.
• Perform technical trade-offs to determine the best choice of hardware, software, equipment, component, location etc for various test facilities.
• Perform risk assessment analyses for future tests and developing mitigation actions to ensure personnel and hardware safety.
• Provide technical inputs to cost, schedule, procurement, commissioning, maintainability, and facility acceptance planning.
• Prepare and maintain P&IDs of test facilities based on test bench requirements and selecting components.
• Undertaking preliminary design of the ground support equipment with minimal oversight.
• Undertake hazard assessments of the test facility design (FMEA and HAZOPs) to determine if any additional changes to the design are required.
• Work with the current test bench team to coordinate end-to-end activities of the development of test facilities including design, reviews, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, test operations, ongoing upgrades and maintenance.
• Work with procurement, AIT and design teams during the development of test facilities to find the right balance of technical solutions, cost and lead time.
• Presenting findings to team members and participating in design reviews and project discussions.

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).
• 2-5 years of experience in propulsion, test facility development, experimental engineering, or a related field.
  • Practical experience in the design, development, commissioning, or operation of test facilities, preferably for rocket propulsion systems.
  • Experience in test facility design for cryogenic propulsion systems is highly desirable. Relevant experience with other cryogenic or high-pressure fluid systems will also be considered.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret technical data, challenge assumptions, and make evidence-based engineering recommendations.
• Proven ability to work autonomously on assigned technical topics while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• 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. 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.