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Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Onsite
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 refueled in orbit, and which carries cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.
We are seeking an experienced and talented Propulsion AIT Principal Engineer, to lead the Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) activities for two cryogenic propulsion systems. Each system is supported by a dedicated AIT team.
This is a key leadership role that requires technical expertise in liquid-propellant propulsion systems, a strong track record in managing complex engineering projects, and proven experience in leading and mentoring technical teams.
As the Propulsion AIT Principal Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring safe, efficient and technically rigorous execution of propulsion AIT activities from hardware readiness through system-level testing and delivery, provide technical direction across both teams, coordinate priorities and resources, resolve complex technical issues, and ensure that the propulsion systems meet their performance, quality, schedule and safety objectives.
This role combines technical leadership, people leadership and hands-on involvement in the preparation and execution of complex cryogenic propulsion test campaigns.
Provide overall technical leadership for the AIT activities of cryogenic propulsion systems
Define and maintain the AIT approach, philosophy, plans and technical execution strategy
Ensure that AIT activities are aligned with system requirements, design intent, verification objectives and programme milestones
Review and approve AIT procedures, test specifications, test plans, test reports, non-conformance dispositions and engineering change documentation
Lead the technical assessment and resolution of complex AIT problems, including test anomalies, hardware issues, instrumentation problems and system performance deviations
Oversee the preparation, integration, functional testing and acceptance activities for the propulsion systems
Coordinate the investigation of anomalies and ensure that root-cause analysis, corrective actions and retest activities are properly managed
Ensure that all AIT activities are performed in accordance with applicable safety rules, operational constraints and approved procedures
Lead and support the propulsion AIT Team Leaders, ensuring clear priorities, ownership and effective communication
Balance resources and priorities across all propulsion systems according to programme needs and test criticality
Support the development of the teams through coaching, technical guidance and constructive feedback
Build a culture of ownership, disciplined execution, continuous improvement and learning from experience
Contribute to integrated project planning, including AIT schedules, resource requirements, facility usage and major test milestones
Identify technical, operational and schedule risks related to AIT activities and ensure that mitigation actions are defined and tracked
Ensure compliance with company processes and applicable regulatory requirements for propulsion AIT activities
Promote a strong safety culture, particularly for activities involving cryogenic fluids, high pressure, hazardous energy and propulsion test operations
Support quality investigations, audits, non-conformance management and corrective and preventive actions
Degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, propulsion engineering or a related technical discipline
Proven professional experience (5+ years) in spacecraft, launch vehicle, aircraft, industrial gas, energy or another relevant high-technology environment
Strong experience in Assembly, Integration and Test, ideally involving propulsion systems or other complex fluid and pressure systems
Proven experience leading engineering teams and coordinating multidisciplinary technical activities
Experience with cryogenic systems, liquid propulsion, pressurised systems, fluid systems or related test operations
Experience planning and executing complex test campaigns from test preparation through final reporting
Demonstrated ability to lead technical investigations and resolve test anomalies using structured problem-solving methods.
Strong understanding of configuration management, verification and validation, requirements compliance and technical documentation
Experience working with test facilities, ground support equipment, instrumentation and data acquisition systems
Capacity to travel to test sites and partner facilities as required
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Fluent professional English. French will be an advantage
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. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.
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.
