Valves Development Engineer [Orbital Vehicle]

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.

The heart of a spacecraft lies in its propulsion system, 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 Valve Development Engineer to help us in our mission by leading the development of valves for our Nyx. You will be responsible for the technical compliance of the valves (bang bang valve, latching valves, solenoid valves) we will develop.

You will report to the Propulsion Units Development & Procurement Principal..

Key responsibilities:

• Define and maintain the best technical baseline for the valves, in strong collaboration with the system, avionics, vehicle design and AIT teams: requirements specification (including verification method), product architecture, interfaces (fluidic, mechanical, thermal, electrical and data) and performances.

• Actively support the engineering teams (system, VDT, avionics, propulsion) during the Nyx Earth capsule design and development, with a strong focus on valve interfaces.

• Create the CAD for the component, create and review engineering drawings, and perform analysis on the component. You are responsible for the component from idealization until the flight delivery of the product.

  • Structural analysis of each component, referring to the MMPDS and NASA/ESA standards, to define the appropriate safety margins for the component.

  • Fluidic analysis to evaluate the flow characteristics of the component, along with performing experimental testing to validate your model.

  • Magnetic analysis to define the anticipated mechanical force margin of the component. Verification and anchoring of the magnetic model through testing of the valve. The testing will then be used to validate the required margins given by NASA/ESA requirements.

  • Tolerance analysis to ensure that the assembly, given a worst-case tolerance stack, still complies with the requirements flown down from the specifications provided by NASA / ESA.

• Support the AIT team during preparation for integration, integration and testing of the valves on the propulsion development and qualification models and on the flight propulsion system, including review and validation of assembly and test procedures, review and validation of test results, and timely resolution of any non-conformances.

• Support preparation of flight operations and procedures, participate in rehearsal and flight operations, review and analyse flight data and treat any abnormal fluid component behavior.

What we would love to see from you:

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (advanced degree preferred).

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in the development of valves for aerospace liquid propulsion units.

• Strong understanding of valves (solenoid valves, latching valves, torque motor valves...), including design, manufacturing and testing.

• Excellent collaboration skills for working effectively across departments to achieve seamless system integration.

• Fluency in English.

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.