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Propulsion AIT Principal Engineer Verified today

The Exploration Company · Bordeaux, France · Propulsion · first seen 2026-10-01
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About the role

The Exploration Company is developing Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that carries cargo and can be refueled in orbit. We seek a Propulsion AIT Principal Engineer to lead Assembly, Integration and Test activities for two cryogenic propulsion systems, each with a dedicated team. This combines technical leadership, people leadership and hands-on involvement in preparing and executing complex cryogenic propulsion test campaigns.

Key responsibilities

  • 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 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 technical assessment and resolution of complex AIT problems, including test anomalies, hardware issues, instrumentation problems and system performance deviations
  • Oversee preparation, integration, functional testing and acceptance activities for the propulsion systems
  • Coordinate investigation of anomalies and ensure root-cause analysis, corrective actions and retest activities are properly managed
  • Ensure all AIT activities comply with applicable safety rules, operational constraints and approved procedures
  • Lead and support propulsion AIT Team Leaders with clear priorities, ownership and effective communication
  • Balance resources and priorities across all propulsion systems according to programme needs and test criticality
  • Support team development 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 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

Required qualifications and experience

  • Degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, propulsion engineering or 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

About us

At The Exploration Company we are building innovative aerospace technologies that advance the future of space transportation. We are agile and make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind. We are open and collaborative, transparent about risks and obstacles so we can cooperate to overcome them. We are democratising space and offer a rare opportunity to be part of this journey.

Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.