Senior Expert Mechanical Design

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.

We want you as a talented Senior Expert Mechanical Design to help us in our mission by contributing to the development of our vehicle. You will be part of the Vehicle Design Team and will report directly to the Vehicle Design Lead. You will work in close collaboration with the Principal Design Engineer and the Principal Mechanical Engineer.

️ Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Principal Design Engineer and Principal Mechanical Engineer to ensure a holistic approach to the capsule’s design.
• Support the design and the mechanical units to develop innovative and lightweight structural solutions.
• Ensure that the primary and secondary load paths are properly defined and the structural design is developed accordingly. Focus on ensuring the overall structure is efficient while maintaining a lightweight design.
• Collaborate with design, mechanical and manufacturing engineers to support the appropriate material selection and design features to optimize performance.
• Contribute to the technical and programmatic exchanges with the suppliers of the metallic and the composite structural parts.
• Conduct system-level trade studies to balance performance, cost, and risk.
• Develop and validate analytical models to predict mechanical behavior and support trade-off studies.
• You will also support the definition of following topics:
• Development test,
• Structural material qualification,
• Manufacturing processes,
• NC justification
• Exchanges with space agencies (ESA and NASA)

What We Would Love to See from You

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering (preferred), Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in technical coordination of complex aerospace projects, from early development to qualification.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis software (Hypermesh and Nastran are preferable).
• Strong understanding of both metallic and composite material properties and material behavior under different loading conditions.
• Deep knowledge of composite and metallic manufacturing processes, as well as inspection methods.
• Experience with aerospace mechanical testing.
• Familiarity with fracture control and fracture mechanics related topics.
• Experience with ECSS and NASA standards.
• Experience in interacting with space agencies.

️ Skills and Behaviors

• Ability to effectively utilize oral and written communication to express technical concepts and recommendations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong organizing and prioritization of tasks.
• Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done.
• Demonstrates behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Vision, Competence, Integrity, and Passion.
• Fluent in English. Knowledge of German, French, and Italian is an asset.

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.