Here at The Exploration Company, we are building spacecrafts for humanity.

We are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refueled in orbit, and which carries cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

We are seeking an experienced and talented Propulsion AIT Principal Engineer, to lead the Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) activities for two cryogenic propulsion systems. Each system is supported by a dedicated AIT team.

This is a key leadership role that requires technical expertise in liquid-propellant propulsion systems, a strong track record in managing complex engineering projects, and proven experience in leading and mentoring technical teams.

As the Propulsion AIT Principal Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring safe, efficient and technically rigorous execution of propulsion AIT activities from hardware readiness through system-level testing and delivery, provide technical direction across both teams, coordinate priorities and resources, resolve complex technical issues, and ensure that the propulsion systems meet their performance, quality, schedule and safety objectives.

This role combines technical leadership, people leadership and hands-on involvement in the preparation and execution of 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 that 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 the technical assessment and resolution of complex AIT problems, including test anomalies, hardware issues, instrumentation problems and system performance deviations

Oversee the preparation, integration, functional testing and acceptance activities for the propulsion systems

Coordinate the investigation of anomalies and ensure that root-cause analysis, corrective actions and retest activities are properly managed

Ensure that all AIT activities are performed in accordance with applicable safety rules, operational constraints and approved procedures

Lead and support the propulsion AIT Team Leaders, ensuring clear priorities, ownership and effective communication

Balance resources and priorities across all propulsion systems according to programme needs and test criticality

Support the development of the teams 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 that 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 & Skills

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