Nyx Crew Propulsion Systems Lead

Job Description

Job Description

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual and detailed design, development and test of a hypergolic propulsion system including engines, valves, propellant feed systems, tanks, and pressurization systems for a crewed space vehicle.

• Support vehicle-level system trade studies.

• Ensure rigorous integration across propulsion and other systems including structures, avionics, and operations. Lead technical reviews and arbitrate complex propulsion system trades.

• Review and perform analysis including first order sizing and specification of propulsion systems and propulsion system components, instrumentation, pressure vessels and/or fluid systems.

• Review and develop first order propellant budgets, including other associated budgets, such as pressurants.

• Oversee the planning and execution of the propulsion system and component development, ensuring the project is completed on time, within budget, and compliant to requirements.

• Lead the planning and execution for component and integrated system testing

• Build, lead, manage and direct the team of propulsion engineers, technicians, and external partners and suppliers, providing guidance and support when needed.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical Design, Engineering, Engineering Technology, or similar related discipline

• 10+ years of relevant engineering experience. Relevant advanced degrees will be considered in lieu of equivalent experience.

• Demonstrated experience designing, analyzing, integrating, and testing propulsion systems and components for space vehicles.

• Working knowledge of propulsion system architectures and operations.

• Demonstrated experience in developing human rated systems.

• Working knowledge of hypergolic propellants, propellant management devices, throttle control, pressure control systems, and fluid flow and controls.

• Knowledge of environmental testing, such as vibration, shock, acoustic, and/or vacuum.

• Experience working with external customers such as commercial companies and government agencies (NASA, AFRL, DARPA, etc.) and component suppliers.

Due to federal regulations (e.g., ITAR/EAR), applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (e.g., current Green Card holders).

Location: Houston, TX. Other US locations are considered.

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.  

All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible.

If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.