Feed System Functional Engineer

The Exploration Company GmbH; Delaware; On-site; USD 101,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

The Exploration Company is seeking an experienced aerospace engineer to own the architecture and performance of the propellant feed system for a MON3-MMH bipropellant system. You will model, analyze, and verify system behavior from ground fill to in-flight operation, coordinating across design, test, and operations teams.

Responsibilities include system sizing, model development (0D-1D), and leading verification activities. Travel between Bordeaux and Munich may be required as part of the role.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• Strong Python experience and fluid simulation skills (0D-1D).
• Proven propulsion system design experience for space systems.
• Experience with version control (Git/SVN).
• Fluent English; German or French is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the propellant feed system architecture and performance.
• Perform system-level sizing, analyses, and simulations.
• Develop functional requirements and verify at system/subsystem level.
• Lead verification, test planning, and data correlation with models.
• Support integration, reviews and cross-functional interfaces.

Skills

Python

Fluid simulation

Propulsion system design

Version control

Fluid mechanics

English fluency

Other languages (DE/French)

Education

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Git

SVN

Job description

Introduction

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

Your tasks

You will own the functional architecture and performance of the propellant feed system for a storable bipropellant propulsion system (MON3-MMH system). You will be responsible for ensuring the feed system delivers propellants to the thrusters within required specifications across the full mission envelope — from ground fill through operation, and recovery.

Role Overview

System Architecture

• Define and maintain the functional architecture of the feed system including propellant tanks, lines, valves, filters, thrusters and instrumentation.
• Perform system-level sizing, sensitivity analyses and functional simulations

System Development

• Define functional requirements for subsystems based on propellant system analyses
• Identify key verification and validation steps required at the system and subsystem level to demonstrate compliance with specification

Modeling & Analysis

• Develop and maintain fluid system models (steady-state and transient) to predict pressure drop, flow rates, water hammer, thruster cross-coupling, and priming behavior.
• Verify compliance between system nominal and off-nominal operation with subsystem operational domains (such as thruster envelope).
• Analyze failure modes (leakage, contamination, cavitation, fluid hammer) and define mitigation strategies and design margins.

Verification & Test

• Lead functional and performance verification: cold-flow, functional and hot-fire tests from component to assembly level .
• Correlate test data against predictive models and update margins/requirements accordingly.

Integration Support

• Support integration, qualification, and operations reviews (design reviews, FMEA, test readiness reviews).
• Interface across design, test, and operations functions throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

Location

You will perform your duties principally at the Company's premises in Bordeaux and may be required to travel from time to time to our company’s premises in Munich in the course of your duties.

Your profile

What we would love to see from you

• Master’s and/or PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field
• Proven experience with python and 0D - 1D fluid simulation tools (model development and analyses) - (e.g., EcosimPro or equivalent)
• Hands‑on experience in propulsion system design for launch vehicles, spacecraft, or space capsules, with direct exposure to liquid propulsion architectures.
• Proven experience in version control systems and tools (e.g., Git or SVN)
• Deep understanding of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and compressible flow
• Experience with storable propulsion system is a plus
• Fluency in English
• German or French are an asset

Skills and Behaviours:

• A hands‑on approach to problem-solving, combined with a collaborative mindset to work across multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask
• Capability of working autonomously whilst collaborating productively with remote teams
• Positive and flexible attitude in a constantly evolving environment
• Grit to get the job done
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences
• Behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Commitment, Innovation, Trust, Quality, and Teamwork

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.

Contact

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