Turbopump Principal Engineer - The Exploration Company

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 that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

The heart of a spacecraft lies in its engine, and that's why we, at The Exploration Company, are dedicated to developing our own cutting-edge Propulsion Systems ensuring the highest level of efficiency and reliability in our space endeavors.

We are seeking a talented Turbopump Principal Engineer to join our Future Project division. As a key member of our engineering team, you will be responsible for leading the development of the turbomachinery of our high thrust engine.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Managing and mentoring a team of engineers with diverse expertise, background and seniority (set objectives, perform reviews, support team members in their development...)

- Ensuring the proper development of complex systems which are the turbomachinery of a high thrust liquid rocket engine (management of planning and resources, organization of reviews...)

- Lead technical decisions for the development of the turbopumps and its surrounding infrastructures (test stands, manufacturing capabilities...) always having in mind the potential impacts on the engine.

- In collaboration with the Business Team, participate in the preparation of proposals writing

- Oversee tests to validate the performance and reliability of turbopump components

- Identify, evaluate, and collaborate with suppliers to ensure the quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of turbopump components

- Anticipating risks for the turbopumps development and proposing corresponding mitigation actions

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 with a minimum of 8 years of related experience

- Proven experience leading projects from the early design phases of space projects, through development test campaigns until hardware qualification

- Strong understanding of liquid-propellant rocket and engines as systems

- Strong fundamentals in thermodynamics and mechanical design

- Some understanding of problems of machine dynamics, such as rotordynamics

- Good understanding of industry standard and emerging manufacturing methods and their respective constraints

- Proven experience in external suppliers handling

- Fluent in English. German is an asset

SKILLS AND BEHAVIORS

- 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