Propulsion CFD Engineer

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

As a talented Propulsion CFD Engineer, you will be responsible for the computational fluid dynamics analysis of propulsion system components and thruster plumes, providing the flow physics insight that underpins component design, thruster performance, and vehicle-level integration decisions.

Role Overview

CFD Analysis & Component Simulation

Perform CFD simulations of propulsion components — valves, regulators, orifices, injectors, feed lines — to characterize internal flow, pressure drop, and flow-induced loads.

Support design trade studies by predicting component-level performance across the operating envelope, in both steady-state and transient conditions.

Identify and help resolve flow anomalies such as cavitation, choking, or flow separation that affect component performance.

Plume Characterization & Thruster Performance

Model thruster plume characterization, from near-field continuum expansion through far-field rarefied flow, including relevant gas dynamics effects.

Assess plume-induced thermal, contamination, and force/torque effects on adjacent subsystems and vehicle surfaces.

Support thruster and nozzle design by predicting performance parameters such as thrust coefficient and specific impulse from CFD.

Cross-Functional Design Collaboration

Work closely with propulsion design engineers and structural and thermal analysts to translate CFD results into actionable design inputs and margins.

Communicate CFD findings and their implications clearly to multidisciplinary teams and program stakeholders.

Support system-level trades on component sizing, thruster placement, and plume shielding for vehicle interfaces.

Model Validation, Tools & Documentation

Validate and correlate CFD models against test data — cold-flow testing, hot-fire testing, plume diagnostics — to build and maintain model confidence.

Maintain and improve CFD simulation workflows, meshing practices, and tools to improve turnaround time and consistency across the design office.

Produce clear technical reports and analysis documentation supporting design reviews and certification.

Key Responsibilities

Location

You will perform your duties principally at the Company's premises in Bordeaux and may be required to travel from time to time to our company’s premises in Munich in the course of your duties.

What we would love to see from you

M.S. or Ph.D. in aerospace or a related field, with 3+ years of hands-on CFD experience relevant to propulsion or fluid dynamics.

Proficiency with CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, or equivalent.

Experience modeling compressible, multiphase, and/or rarefied gas flows relevant to propulsion valves and thruster plumes.

Familiarity with plume characterization methods such as DSMC or continuum-rarefied coupling is a strong plus.

Strong grounding in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and gas dynamics fundamentals.

Experience correlating CFD predictions against test data.

Familiarity with scripting or automation (Python, MATLAB) for meshing, post-processing, or workflow automation.

Fluent in English. German and French are an asset

Skills and Behaviors:

A hands-on approach to problem-solving, combined with a collaborative mindset to work across multidisciplinary teams

Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask

Capability of working autonomously whilst collaborating productively with remote teams

Positive and flexible attitude in a constantly evolving environment

Grit to get the job done

Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences

Behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Commitment, Innovation, Trust, Quality, and Teamwork

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.