Lunar Lander Test Bench Development Senior Engineer Verified today

About the role

The Exploration Company is developing next-generation space transportation systems, including a lunar lander capable of precision landing and reusable operations. You will lead the design, development, and deployment of a dedicated remote test site in the United Arab Emirates for hot-fire propulsion testing and hopper flight demonstrations.

This role combines propulsion test infrastructure design, cryogenic fluid systems engineering, civil infrastructure coordination, and end-to-end project execution in a remote environment. You will need to travel periodically to the UAE during site development, commissioning, and operations phases.

Key responsibilities

Test Site Development

• Define and synthesize system-level requirements for a remote lunar lander test site supporting hot firing and hopper flight testing
• Lead the design and implementation of the complete facility, including ground infrastructure and utilities
• Specify and implement propellant and pressurization systems including Liquid Oxygen, Liquid Methane, Helium, and Nitrogen
• Design infrastructure enabling autonomous operation of a remote site (power generation, storage, logistics, safety systems)

Fluid and Cryogenic Systems Engineering

• Develop P&IDs for propulsion test facilities and associated ground support equipment
• Design, size, and select components for cryogenic and high-pressure fluid systems
• Ensure safe handling, storage, and distribution of cryogenic propellants and pressurants

Infrastructure and Civil Engineering Coordination

• Define facility layout, foundations, structural interfaces, and site infrastructure requirements
• Coordinate with civil engineering partners to implement test stands, safety perimeters, and support buildings

Safety, Automation, and Operations

• Define and implement automation architectures for test operations and facility control, including safe connections with the vehicle to test
• Develop and validate safety-critical systems protecting personnel, hardware, and environment
• Perform hazard analyses (FMEA, HAZOP, risk assessments) and implement mitigation measures
• Develop test procedures, operational concepts, and commissioning plans

Project Leadership

• Lead end-to-end development of the test facility including design, procurement, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and operations readiness
• Manage technical interfaces with internal teams, customers, and external suppliers
• Perform trade-off analyses to optimize performance, safety, cost, and schedule
• Support on-site deployment, integration, and test campaigns

What you need

• Degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, energy systems, or a related field
• 5 or more years of experience in propulsion test facilities or hot-fire test bench development
• Strong expertise in fluid systems engineering, including cryogenic propellants
• Experience designing or operating ground support equipment for rocket propulsion systems
• Knowledge of automation systems and safety-critical control architectures for industrial or test environments
• Experience coordinating infrastructure or facility development in industrial or remote environments
• Demonstrated project management capability across multidisciplinary engineering activities
• Hands-on engineering mindset with strong problem-solving ability
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work across international teams
• Willingness to travel to and work periodically in the United Arab Emirates

Location and logistics

Based in Bordeaux, France with test campaigns of a few months in the UAE.

Background checks apply. Relocation assistance and visa sponsorship are provided where applicable.