System Functional Engineer

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

As a talented System Functional Engineer, you will be responsible for maturing the propulsion fluid system's functional design and performance models from preliminary to detailed design, and for driving the architecture trades, verification, and requirements work that keep the system compliant, safe, and traceable.

Role Overview

Fluid System Design & Functional Analysis

Mature the overall fluid system from detailed design to qualification by leading the functional analysis of the assembly

Lead your own analysis tasks using advanced simulation tools, and provide outputs to other fluid analysts and functional engineers in selecting appropriate methodologies, assumptions, and data processing methods.

Ensure functional analysis outputs feed directly into design maturity, keeping the fluid system design compliant and traceable as it advances toward detailed design.

System Architecture & Trade Studies

Contribute to the evaluation and optimization of propulsion system concepts in terms of performance, mass, operations, cost, and reliability/safety.

Support development and qualification ground platform designs

Contribute to ground platforms and flight simulations, sensitivity analyses, and risk assessments.

Performance Modeling & Verification & Validation

Develop and maintain functional performance models of propulsive systems using simulation frameworks such as EcosimPro and Python-based codes.

Validate and anchor models against available test data.

Plan and execute the V&V plan for the fluid subsystem, including analysis and test campaigns to verify subsystem performance and requirements compliance.

Failure Analysis, Sequencing & Requirements Management

Contribute to FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to ensure the system architecture is consistent with reliability and safety targets.

Support the Concept of Operations of the Functional Propulsion System in accordance with engine needs and constraints.

Contribute to functional requirements for subsystems such as valves, and tanks based on propulsion system analyses.

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

Master’s and/or PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field

Proven experience with 0D - 1D fluid simulation tools (model development and analyses) - (e.g., EcosimPro, Amesim)

Deep understanding of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and compressible flow

Experience with storable propulsion system is a plus

Fluency in English; proficiency in Italian, German or 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.