Your space-enabled career begins here

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 want you as a talented and experienced Nyx Docking Mechanism Senior Engineer to help us in our mission by designing, manufacturing, testing and delivering, fully inhouse, the future docking mechanism for Nyx that will enable Nyx to rendezvous and dock with spacecraft, including the International Space Station and subsequent Commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) destinations.

Key Responsibilities

In your capacity as the Senior Nyx Docking Mechanism Engineer, your role will continuously evolve, but initially your day to day duties will include:

• Ensure the integration and delivery On Time, On Quality and on Cost of the COTS mechanism for the first Nyx Earth iteration, acting as main Point of Contact with the supplier.

• Develop the docking mechanism system requirements and specifications based upon applicable Nyx spacecraft requirements and appropriate International Space Station Docking requirements and interface control documents.

• Generate the docking mechanism technology maturation and development plan, including the need for resources both engineering and hardware.

• Design and develop docking mechanism and associated hardware that enables Nyx to rendezvous and dock with the International Space Station and Commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) destinations, aiming at a simple and lightweight design which takes full advantage of Nyx's GNC capabilities.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including design, mechanical, propulsion, avionics and software engineers as well as mission planners to integrate the docking mechanism into the overall Nyx design.

• Drive design reviews, technical meetings, and problem-solving sessions to address engineering challenges and ensure design integrity of the docking mechanism.

• Drive the verification, validation and qualification activities to ensure the docking system meets all requirements and demonstrates robust docking performance.

• Collaborate with the Supply Chain personnel and Assembly, Integration and Test personnel to procure, assemble and test the Nyx docking system and integrate the system into the Nyx spacecraft.

• Stay current with industry trends, interface standards and advancements in docking technologies relevant to spacecraft docking operations.

What we would love to see from you

In the role of Nyx Docking Mechanism Senior Engineer ideally, you will have the following:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or another related field.

• 4 to 10 years of experience in mechanical systems design, analysis, and testing of aerospace or space-related systems, with a focus on docking mechanisms highly preferred. Participation in previous visiting vehicle development also highly preferred.

• Strong understanding of materials selection, manufacturing processes, and assembly techniques relevant to space hardware.

• Experience with space mission requirements, standards, and protocols related to docking systems (e.g., NASA Docking System Standards, international docking standards and compatibility considerations).

Skills and Behaviours

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Strong analysis and problem-solving skills

• Strong organizing and prioritization of tasks

• Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done

• Ability to communicate at all levels of the business

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

• Space enthusiast: ready to change the European space industry

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.