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Nyx Crew Propulsion Engine Principal Verified today

The Exploration Company · Houston, TX · Propulsion · first seen 2026-07-16
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Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Engine Principal to drive the development of next-generation high-thrust hypergolic propulsion systems for crewed spaceflight applications. You will lead engine development from early concept and architecture definition through qualification and flight readiness, ensuring safe, reliable, and high-performance propulsion hardware.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

  • Lead end-to-end development of high-thrust hypergolic rocket engines from concept through flight readiness.
  • Lead preparation and execution of major program reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.), supporting certification activities and customer reviews.
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards, human-rating requirements, and quality processes throughout the product lifecycle.

Engine Architecture

  • Establish engine architecture and drive key design decisions.
  • Conduct trade studies, simulation, and analytical assessments to optimize engine performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost.
  • Own propulsion technical requirements and contribute to long-term propulsion technology strategy and innovation roadmaps.

Program Execution

  • Plan, coordinate, and oversee engine development activities to achieve technical, schedule, and budget objectives.
  • Lead development and qualification, including verification, validation, certification, and flight-readiness activities.
  • Identify and mitigate technical risks, resolve anomalies, and deliver qualified flight hardware aligned with program milestones.

Team Leadership and Capability Development

  • Build, lead, and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary propulsion team.
  • Provide technical mentorship to engineers and technicians.
  • Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder, Supplier and Cross-Functional Management

  • Lead technical interactions with suppliers, development partners, and external stakeholders, including component selection, procurement, oversight, and acceptance activities.
  • Collaborate closely with systems engineering, avionics, MAIT, and program teams to ensure successful propulsion system integration.
  • Communicate technical status, risks, and recommendations while ensuring alignment between propulsion activities and broader vehicle development objectives.

Required Qualifications

  • B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical Design, Engineering, Engineering Technology, or similar related discipline.
  • 10+ years of relevant engineering experience. Relevant advanced degrees will be considered in lieu of equivalent experience.
  • Demonstrated experience designing, analyzing, integrating, and testing engines for space vehicles.
  • Demonstrated experience in developing human-rated systems.
  • Working knowledge of throttleable high-thrust hypergolic engines.
  • Knowledge of environmental testing, such as vibration, shock, acoustic, and/or vacuum.
  • Experience working with external customers such as commercial companies and government agencies (NASA, AFRL, DARPA, etc.) and component suppliers.

Legal and Eligibility

Due to federal regulations (e.g., ITAR/EAR), applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (e.g., current Green Card holders).

All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check. The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer.