Fluid Systems Development Engineer

The Exploration Company GmbH; Delaware; On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Exploration Company in Delaware seeks a Fluid Systems Development Engineer to advance propulsion fluid systems for the Storm engine project. You will translate requirements into robust designs and drive development from concept to qualification.

You will lead trade studies, manage roadmaps for sub-assemblies, and validate designs with tests, while collaborating across teams. Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of German or French is a plus.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 2 years of proven experience developing propulsion fluid systems.
• Strong knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and cryogenic fluids.
• Good knowledge of fluid components (check-valves, pressure regulators).
• Fluency in English; proficiency in German or French is an asset.
• Basic knowledge of aerospace standards (ECSS, NASA guidelines).
• Experience writing scripts in Python.
• Experience using 3D CAD software (Siemens NX is an asset).

Responsibilities

• Translate engine-level functional and performance requirements into fluid-system requirements, architectures, and development priorities.
• Lead architecture trade-off studies, sensitivity analyses, and risk assessments to support robust design decisions.
• Define and manage the development roadmap for fluid-system sub-assemblies, from concept through maturation and qualification.
• Lead the design of fluid systems and the selection, development, and integration of their components, including make-or-buy decisions.
• Define and manage the verification and validation strategy, including requirements, test specifications, acceptance criteria, and evidence of compliance.
• Design and specify the pneumatic equipment required to support demonstrator test campaigns and test-article operations.
• Analyse test data to assess system performance, identify discrepancies, and validate and anchor fluid-system models.
• Feed test results and lessons learned back into system design, requirements, and future development activities.

Skills

Fluid dynamics

Thermodynamics

Python scripting

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor with honors or substantial relevant experience

Tools

Siemens NX

EcosimPro

Job description

Description

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

Your tasks

We are seeking a talented Fluid Systems Development Engineer to join the Storm engine project. As a key member of our System Team, you will play a central role in developing key fluid systems of the engine.

Key Responsibilities

As a Fluid Systems Development Engineer, your responsibilities will include:

• Translate engine-level functional and performance requirements into fluid-system requirements, architectures, and development priorities.
• Lead architecture trade-off studies, sensitivity analyses, and risk assessments to support robust design decisions.
• Define and manage the development roadmap for fluid-system sub-assemblies, from concept through maturation and qualification.
• Lead the design of fluid systems and the selection, development, and integration of their components, including make-or-buy decisions.
• Define and manage the verification and validation strategy, including requirements, test specifications, acceptance criteria, and evidence of compliance.
• Design and specify the pneumatic equipment required to support demonstrator test campaigns and test-article operations.
• Analyse test data to assess system performance, identify discrepancies, and validate and anchor fluid-system models.
• Feed test results and lessons learned back into system design, requirements, and future development activities.

Your profile

What we would love to see from you

• Master's Degree or higher (or NZ and AUS "Bachelor with honors") in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related and applicable technical discipline. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree with substantial relevant experience
• Minimum 2 years of proven experience developing propulsion fluid systems
• Strong knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and cryogenic fluids
• Good knowledge of fluid components (check-valves, pressure regulators...)
• Fluency in English; proficiency in German or French is an asset
• Basic knowledge of aerospace standards (e.g. ECSS, NASA guidelines)
• Experience writing scripts in Python
• Experience using 3D CAD software (Siemens NX is an asset)
• (Optional) Experience with modelling and simulation tools is a plus (e.g. EcosimPro)
• (Optional) Hands-on experience developing hardware from concept to working prototypes is an asset

Skills and Behaviours

• Strong ability to work in close collaboration with others
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong analysis and problem-solving skills
• Strong research skills and ability to infer useful information from partial or even contradictory sources
• Drive towards excellence coupled with ability to work within time constraints
• Proficiency in organization and prioritization of tasks
• Behavior consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Mission, Vision, Integrity, Excellence and Teamwork
• Enthusiasm for space exploration: be ready to have an impact on the future global space industry.

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.