MAIT Additive Manufacturing Principal Engineer

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.

Location: Preferably Munich (Bordeaux as second choice)

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced MAIT Additive Manufacturing Principal Engineer to oversee the development, production, and integration of 3D-printed parts for critical aerospace components, especially linked to propulsion components submitted to high temperatures and high loads.

This individual will play a key role in managing our additive manufacturing team (Application engineers, process development engineers, metallurgist engineer), setting the strategic direction, and ensuring that we meet the highest standards for quality, performance, and reliability in line with ESA and NASA standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership: Manage, mentor, and support the additive manufacturing team, ensuring high performance, innovation, and alignment with project goals.

• Roadmap Management: Develop and continuously update the 3D printing roadmap, ensuring alignment with company objectives and technological advancements. Bi-material printing will be a key element of this roadmap.

• Make-or-Buy Policy: Define and implement a make-or-buy policy for all printed products, including various types of thrusters, cryogenic engines, pump elements, heat exchangers, and structural brackets. Buying new machines or equipements will be managed by trade-off.

• Material and Process Development: Establish and oversee policies for bi-material printing, critical to our product line, including material selection, process optimization, and quality standards.

• Standards Compliance: Ensure all manufacturing processes meet or exceed ESA and NASA standards for quality and reliability.

• Technology and Market Watch: Continuously monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and new materials, integrating relevant advancements into our roadmap and workflows.

• Process Optimization: Identify and implement best practices in post-processing, inspection, and testing of printed parts to maximize performance, reduce production times, and improve overall efficiency.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with design, engineering, and quality assurance teams to establish design-for-additive principles and validate component specifications.

• Supplier Management: Engage with external suppliers as needed, managing relationships to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with our technical and quality requirements.

• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain detailed records and documentation of additive manufacturing processes, testing results, and improvements, providing regular reports to senior management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in additive manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.

• Strong knowledge of ESA and NASA quality and safety standards.

• Proficiency in bi-material printing and various post-processing techniques.

• Excellent project management, communication, and team leadership skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with additive manufacturing for propulsion systems or high-stress aerospace components.

• Familiarity with cryogenic materials and high-temperature resistance requirements.

• Proficiency in data analysis tools for quality assurance and process improvement.

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.