Vacuum Thruster Test Bench Technical and Team Leader

Job description

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building innovative aerospace technologies that advance the future of space transportation. In addition, we are developing advanced propulsion capabilities to support our reusable spacecraft programs. We are building a dedicated test capability for storable, hypergolic propulsion systems in the 100–800 N class. As a Thruster Test Bench Technical and Team Leader, you will lead the end-to-end development of a propulsion test facility for legacy propellants (e.g., MON-class oxidizers and MMH-type fuels), from requirements definition through commissioning and operating the test facility. You will manage the team that develops, commissions and operates the test facility. This position requires technical excellence and expertise as well as team management skills. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Design of Test Facility - Develop a vacuum hot fire test facility which will be used to develop and qualify orbital thrusters - Capture and define system-level requirements for a chemical propulsion test bench supporting 100–800 N thrusters. - Define performance envelopes, safety objectives, operability constraints, and verification methods. - Translate propulsion test needs into facility, utilities, and ground support equipment requirements - Define instrumentation, data acquisition, and control systems for safe hot-fire testing. - Interface effectively with internal engineering/design teams, customers, and external partners. Assembly & Integration of Test Facility - Define the schedule and conditions of the bench integration. Define the tests to be performed all along the project, to mitigate the risks to find issues during commissionning. - Manage suppliers and internal manufacturing activities; oversee integration and verification. - Plan and execute commissioning, acceptance testing, and entry-into-service activities. Safety & Operation of Test Facility - Lead hazard analyses (FMEA, HAZOP, risk assessments) and implement mitigation measures. - Develop procedures for handling, testing, maintenance, and emergency response. - Validate redlines and abort sequences for different failure cases - Integration of thruster into test bench - Lead operations of test facility and perform hot fire, cold flows, decontamination and maintenance activities. It's possible that at one point, the operations would be handover to another testing team and then insure a smooth and well documented handover if needed. Leadership / Team management - As a Team Leader we expect you to drive and support a small multidisciplinary team to design, procure, assemble, and install and commission the test bench. - You will manage the team tasks and priorities and partially HR/training and developpement topics WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU - Degree in aerospace, propulsion system, mechanical, chemical engineering, or a related discipline. - 5+ years of hands-on experience with propulsion test benches, preferably with storable/legacy propellants. - Strong background in fluid systems, pressurized systems, and ground support equipment. - Demonstrated experience delivering complex engineering facilities from concept to commissioning. - Knowledge of safety-critical systems, industrial automation, and test operations. - Experience with site qualification, permitting, or regulated industrial environments. - Excellent communication skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders. - Experience in vacuum test facility design and operation - Experience with team management would be a plus 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.