Deputy Lead Propulsion - Space tech startup

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 Deputy Lead Propulsion to help us in our mission by deputizing the Lead Propulsion who leads the propulsion development of our Nyx Earth spacecraft. 

Key responsibilities: 

Team Leadership 

• Lead a team of talented propulsion engineers, including Propulsion System Engineers, Propulsion Component 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. 

  Propulsion System Development 

• Lead the design, development, and testing of the Nyx capsule propulsion system, ensuring it meets safety, performance, and reliability requirements. 

• Focus on storable 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 and solve fast complex technical problems as needed. 

  Project Management 

• Manage the propulsion team to ensure on-time, on-cost and on-quality delivery of the propulsion system. 

• 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 and anticipating technical challenges and developing and implementing mitigation actions. 

  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 the other sub-systems. 

  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: 

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or other relevant Engineering area. 

• Over 10 years of relevant working experience, including having held people leadership responsibility. 

• Extensive experience in designing, developing, and testing storable 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. 

• Delivery mindset: we need people who are problem solvers and can embrace technical problems fast, go to the details of them without loosing the big picture and the main stakes, and propose solutions in a couple of hours / days. 

• Fluency in English. 

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.