Lead Propulsion Engineer - Space tech startup

Cherry Ventures is supporting our portfolio with this hire

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 Lead Propulsion to help us in our mission by leading the propulsion development of our spacecrafts.

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities As the Lead Propulsion Engineer, your role will continuously evolve. However, your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

1. Team Leadership

   • Lead a team of propulsion engineers, including system engineers, subsystem designers, and test engineers.

   • Foster a collaborative environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement.

   • Promote and develop the skills and capabilities of your team members through mentorship and professional development opportunities.

   • Ensure high levels of cooperation and technical proficiency within the propulsion team.

2. Propulsion System Development

   • Lead the design, development, and testing of propulsion systems for spacecraft, ensuring they meet safety, performance, and reliability requirements.

     1. For Nyx Earth: Focus on storable propulsion systems.

     2. For Huracan/Typhoon: Focus on LOX/LCH4 propulsion systems.

   • Continuously evaluate and improve propulsion systems to meet changing mission needs and incorporate new technologies.

   • Get hands-on by contributing to the propulsion system design as needed.

3. Project Management

   • Manage the propulsion team to ensure timely delivery of propulsion systems.

   • Define project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders.

   • Develop project schedules, resource plans, and budgets while maintaining consistency with timelines and cost constraints.

   • Oversee risk management by identifying potential challenges and developing mitigation strategies.

4. Cross-functional Collaboration

   • Collaborate with other teams and departments such as avionics, GNC, and systems engineering to ensure seamless integration of the propulsion system with other spacecraft systems.

5. Innovation and Continuous Improvement

   • Stay up-to-date with advancements in propulsion technologies and drive innovation within the team.

   • Identify opportunities for process improvements, cost reductions, and performance enhancements.

What we would love to see from you

We’re looking for a candidate with the following:

• Extensive experience in designing, developing, and testing storable and/or cryogenic propulsion systems for spacecraft.

• Demonstrated experience working on one or more development engine programs through part of the lifecycle, from concept through sustained operations

• Hands-on end-to-end project experience building complex components and/or assemblies.

• Strong leadership and management skills, capable of leading a geographically distributed team and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality products.

• Excellent collaboration skills for working effectively across departments to achieve seamless system integration.

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.  

Cherry Ventures is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.