The Exploration Company
space orbital vehicle
LeadMechanisms
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Lead candidates.
“Lead Mechanisms at The Exploration Company. Skills: Operational Leadership, Team Management, Mechanisms Development & Execution, Cross-functional & Interface Coordination. Maintain and structure the team’s day-to-day work: task breakdown, priorities, sequencing, and clear ownership.. Mange Sprints and Epic organization and coordinate with Nyx Program schedulers.”
What You'll Achieve.
reach EM-level maturity (TRL6) as fast as possible; ensure momentum; keep up with the schedule milestones while derisking properly the program
Industry & Context.
remove blockers; drive decisions forward; decision trade-off packages
Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent), Experience in mechanisms for space systems (deployables, actuators, hinges, release mechanisms, or similar high-reliability hardware), Proven background in fast-paced hardware development with awareness of EM, QM, FM lifecycle, organization, planning, and follow-up discipline, Experience with cross-functional coordination and supplier interface management
Nice to Have
Familiarity with space project phases and reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, DRB)
What You'll Do.
Maintain and structure the team’s day-to-day work: task breakdown
Mange Sprints and Epic organization and coordinate with Nyx Program schedulers.
Maintain a (real-time) overview of all tasks required to reach EM-level maturity (TRL6) as fast as possible.
Push task execution: remove blockers
follow up with engineers
drive decisions forward
Support the Team Lead by transforming high-level technical direction into actionable work packages for the team.
Ensure completeness and alignment of all tasks with the Chief Engineering Office.
Mange Monday Tasks and coordinate external team task requests.
Manage the EAC process and assure team works with in the allocated budget and schedule constraints.
Identify needs and obtain approvals for purchases and resources.
Manage major sub-contractors and provide interface for technical team input and coordination.
Manage the team risk register and coordinate with Program level risks.
Ensuring hyper clarity of roles & responsibilities with extreme ownership for each team member.
Ensure alignment between the mechanisms agreed development plans and the schedule and cost constraints of the program.
Help the team prioritize the activities that are mandatory while cutting corners on less critical tasks that might be delayed or simplified in order to keep up with the schedule milestones while derisking properly the program.
Structure make-or-buy analyses for mechanisms components and prepare the technical and programmatic comparison bases.
Lead supplier engagement on organizational aspects: RFQs
and progress monitoring.
Support the Team Lead by preparing well-structured major decision trade-off packages for fast
Ensure the team rapidly progresses from concept to hardware through disciplined tracking of design
Coordinate with AIT organization in the build up and execution of activities in Torino development
manufacturing and test lab.
Maintain and own the team’s risk register (watch list); ensure mitigations are executed and reviewed regularly.
Support hiring: define profile needs
and participate in interviews.
Coordinate position descriptions
use cases and staffing needs with HR team.
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
coordinate with Nyx Program schedulers; coordinate with Chief Engineering Office; coordinate external team task requests; coordinate with Program level risks; coordinate with team technical leaders; coordinate with AIT organization; coordinate position descriptions, use cases and staffing needs with HR team
Communication Scope
Clear communicator who brings order, visibility, and accountability to a team.
Process & Methodology
task breakdown, priorities, sequencing, Sprints, Epic organization, planning, schedule constraints, development plans, cost constraints, planning, progress monitoring, procurement, manufacturing, testing
Full Job Description
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. OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP & TEAM MANAGEMENT - Maintain and structure the team’s day-to-day work: task breakdown, priorities, sequencing, and clear ownership. Mange Sprints and Epic organization and coordinate with Nyx Program schedulers. - Maintain a (real-time) overview of all tasks required to reach EM-level maturity (TRL6) as fast as possible. - Push task execution: remove blockers, follow up with engineers, drive decisions forward, and ensure momentum. - Support the Team Lead by transforming high-level technical direction into actionable work packages for the team. - Ensure completeness and alignment of all tasks with the Chief Engineering Office. Mange Monday Tasks and coordinate external team task requests. - Manage the EAC process and assure team works with in the allocated budget and schedule constraints. Identify needs and obtain approvals for purchases and resources. - Manage major sub-contractors and provide interface for technical team input and coordination. - Manage the team risk register and coordinate with Program level risks. - Ensuring hyper clarity of roles & responsibilities with extreme ownership for each team member. - Ensure alignment between the mechanisms agreed development plans and the schedule and cost constraints of the program. - Help the team prioritize the activities that are mandatory while cutting corners on less critical tasks that might be delayed or simplified in order to keep up with the schedule milestones while derisking properly the program. CROSS-FUNCTIONAL & INTERFACE COORDINATION - Work with team technical leaders to identify required inputs from sister teams (Structures, Thermal, Avionics, AIT, etc.) and request them proactively. - Track all requested outputs to other teams; ensure timely
Applying for this Lead Mechanisms role?
Most applicants get filtered before a human reads their resume. See if yours makes the cut.
How to Apply on Ashby
- Ashby is a fast modern ATS — most applications take under 3 minutes.
- The resume parser is strong; verify parsed experience dates and job titles.
- Custom screening questions are often scored algorithmically — answer completely.
- Location field affects geo-based screening; use your actual metro area.
ANONYMOUS · UNFILTERED
What do employees actually say about The Exploration Company?
Real rants from real employees. Read before you apply.