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 are looking for a Test Engineer – Space Systems to define, develop, and operate test means for the qualification and acceptance of spacecraft subsystems such as tanks, structural components, thermal protection systems, and system-level events like splashdown tests.
Main responsibilities
As a Space Systems Test Engineer, you will be responsible for end-to-end test activities, from definition to execution and reporting:
Definition and development of test benches: design, specification, and setup of mechanical and fluidic test means adapted to non-propulsion spacecraft subsystems (e.g., tanks, structures, TPS, splashdown).
Definition and execution of test plans: elaboration of qualification and acceptance test plans in collaboration with design teams, ensuring coverage of requirements and compliance with aerospace standards.
Test execution and data acquisition: operation of test setups, execution of functional, structural, thermal, and system-level tests (including splashdown), with rigorous data recording.
Analysis and reporting: processing of test data, anomaly investigation, and preparation of technical reports for internal reviews and customer deliverables.
Cross-functional collaboration: daily interaction with design, AIT, and quality teams to ensure tests are aligned with spacecraft requirements and industrial processes.
Profile
Engineering degree in aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, materials, or related fields.
Minimum 5 years of experience in test engineering, test bench development, or system validation in aerospace or other high-reliability industries.
Knowledge of non-propulsion subsystem testing (tanks, structures, TPS, or system-level).
Experience in defining and executing qualification and acceptance test plans.
Strong skills in data acquisition, test automation, and reporting (LabVIEW, Python or equivalent is a plus).
Rigor, autonomy, and problem-solving mindset in a high-reliability environment.
Professional English (spoken and written).
What we offer
Direct involvement in the testing of critical spacecraft subsystems (tanks, structures, TPS) and system-level events (including splashdown).
Daily collaboration with design, AIT, and quality teams in an international environment.
Start-up industrial setting with high autonomy and diverse responsibilities.
Position based in Bordeaux (France) or Munich (Germany), with occasional travel.
If you want to work on test engineering across spacecraft subsystems and system-level events — from tanks and structures to splashdown tests — and contribute directly to flight hardware qualification and acceptance, join us!
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.