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AIT Technician - Propulsion Valves

The Exploration Company

The Exploration Company

Bordeaux, France
Posted on Oct 14, 2025

Location

Bordeaux, France

Employment Type

Full time

Department

MAITAIT

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 an AIT Technician – Propulsion Valves to support the assembly, testing, and industrialization of our gas and propellant valves, working closely with design team and AIT engineers.

Main responsibilities

As a Propulsion Valves AIT Technician, you will contribute to the end-to-end implementation of our valve production line:

  • Assembly and commissioning of test benches: mechanical installation, fluidic and electrical connections, wiring of sensors/actuators, and functional check together with the AIT engineer.

  • Development and execution of tests: carrying out bench procedures (helium leak testing, PID regulation, dynamic performance, endurance, pressure safety factors (proof, burst) and flow characteristics), ensuring data recording, traceability, and reporting.

  • Industrialization and processes: applying defined assembly and manufacturing routings, performing cleaning and passivation operations in cleanroom, executing dimensional measurements and visual/particulate inspections according to space standards.

  • Production and quality support: precision mechanical assembly of valves in production, execution of functional acceptance tests in series (flight hardware acceptance), identification and follow-up of non-conformities, feedback to design/AIT teams, and participation in qualification and environmental test campaigns (vibration, shock, thermal).

Profile

  • Technical degree (BTS/DUT or equivalent) in precision mechanics, mechatronics, industrial maintenance, instrumentation, or similar.

  • Minimum 5 years of experience in mechanical/fluidic systems assembly, test bench work, testing, or precision maintenance (aerospace, aeronautics, medical, or similar).

  • Hands-on skills in mechanical assembly, fluidic connections, and electrical wiring.

  • Experience with dimensional measurements and quality inspections.

  • Experience in cleanroom assembly and/or cleaning/passivation processes is a plus.

  • Familiarity with flight-quality procedures (documentation, traceability, rigor).

  • Ability to read and follow procedures in English.

  • Team player, detail-oriented, rigorous, and autonomous.

What we offer

  • Direct involvement in the fabrication and qualification of critical propulsion systems for spaceflight.

  • Daily collaboration with integrated design – manufacturing – testing teams.

  • Start-up industrial environment with high variety and hands-on responsibilities.

  • Position based in Bordeaux (France), with occasional travel.

If you enjoy precision work, test bench assembly, functional acceptance testing in production, and cleanroom assembly of critical flight systems, 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.