Turbomachinery Lead Engineer

The heart of a spacecraft lies in its engine, and that's why we, at The Exploration Company, are dedicated to developing our own cutting-edge Propulsion Systems ensuring the highest level of efficiency and reliability in our space endeavors.

We are seeking a talented Turbomachinery Lead Engineer to join our Future Project division. As a key member of our engineering team, you will be responsible for leading the development of the turbomachinery of our high thrust engine.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing and mentoring a team of engineers with diverse expertise, background and seniority (set objectives, perform reviews, support team members in their development...)

• Ensuring the proper development of complex systems which are the turbomachinery of a high thrust liquid rocket engine (management of planning and resources, organization of reviews...)

• Lead technical decisions for the development of the turbopumps and its surrounding infrastructures (test stands, manufacturing capabilities...) always having in mind the potential impacts on the engine.

• In collaboration with the Business Team, participate in the preparation of proposals writing

• Oversee tests to validate the performance and reliability of turbopump components

• Identify, evaluate, and collaborate with suppliers to ensure the quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of turbopump components

• Anticipating risks for the turbopumps development and proposing corresponding mitigation actions

• Master's Degree or higher (or NZ and AUS "Bachelor with honors") in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related and applicable technical discipline with a minimum of 10 years of related experience

• Proven experience leading projects from the early design phases of space projects, through development test campaigns until hardware qualification

• Strong understanding of liquid-propellant rocket and engines as systems

• Strong fundamentals in thermodynamics and mechanical design

• Some understanding of problems of machine dynamics, such as rotordynamics

• Good understanding of industry standard and emerging manufacturing methods and their respective constraints

• Proven experience in external suppliers handling

• Fluent in English. German is an asset

Skills and Behaviors

• Strong ability to work in close collaboration with others

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Strong analysis and problem-solving skills

• Strong research skills and ability to infer useful information from partial or even contradictory sources

• Drive towards excellence coupled with ability to work within time constraints

• Proficiency in organization and prioritization of tasks

• Behavior consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Mission, Vision, Integrity, Excellence and Teamwork

• Enthusiasm for space exploration: be ready to have an impact on the future global space industry

• We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind