The Exploration Company
Aerospace
NyxCrewPropulsionEnginePrincipal
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.
“Nyx Crew Propulsion Engine Principal at The Exploration Company. Skills: Propulsion systems, Engine development, Human-rated systems. Lead end-to-end development of high-thrust hypergolic rocket engines. Lead preparation and execution of major program reviews”
What You'll Achieve.
Successful delivery of safe, reliable, and high-performance propulsion hardware; Meet demanding performance objectives; Meet reliability objectives; Meet schedule objectives; Meet cost objectives; Achieve technical objectives; Achieve schedule objectives; Achieve budget objectives; Deliver qualified flight hardware aligned with program milestones
Industry & Context.
Resolve anomalies; Technical risks
U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical Design, Engineering, or similar, 10+ years of relevant engineering experience, Demonstrated experience designing, analyzing, integrating, and testing engines for space vehicles, Demonstrated experience in developing human rated systems, Working knowledge of throttleable high thrust hypergolic engines, Knowledge of environmental testing
Nice to Have
Relevant advanced degrees considered in lieu of equivalent experience
What You'll Do.
Lead end-to-end development of high-thrust hypergolic rocket engines
Lead preparation and execution of major program reviews
Support certification activities
Support customer reviews
Ensure compliance with industry standards
Ensure compliance with human-rating requirements
Ensure compliance with quality processes
Establish engine architecture
Drive key design decisions
Conduct trade studies
Conduct simulation assessments
Conduct analytical assessments
Optimize engine performance
Optimize engine reliability
Optimize engine manufacturability
Own propulsion technical requirements
Contribute to long-term propulsion technology strategy
Contribute to innovation roadmaps
Plan engine development activities
Coordinate engine development activities
Oversee engine development activities
Achieve technical objectives
Achieve schedule objectives
Achieve budget objectives
Lead development and qualification
Lead verification activities
Lead validation activities
Lead certification activities
Lead flight-readiness activities
Identify technical risks
Mitigate technical risks
Deliver qualified flight hardware
Align with program milestones
Build a high-performing multidisciplinary propulsion team
Lead a high-performing multidisciplinary propulsion team
Develop a high-performing multidisciplinary propulsion team
Provide technical mentorship to engineers
Provide technical mentorship to technicians
Foster a culture of technical excellence
Foster a culture of accountability
Foster a culture of collaboration
Foster a culture of continuous improvement
Lead technical interactions with suppliers
Lead technical interactions with development partners
Lead technical interactions with external stakeholders
Oversee component selection
Oversee oversight activities
Oversee acceptance activities
Collaborate with systems engineering
Collaborate with avionics
Collaborate with MAIT
Collaborate with program teams
Ensure successful propulsion system integration
Communicate technical status
Communicate recommendations
Ensure alignment between propulsion activities and broader vehicle
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Cross-functional teams; Systems engineering; Avionics; MAIT; Program teams; Development partners; External stakeholders
Communication Scope
Technical status; Risks; Recommendations
Process & Methodology
Program reviews, Schedule objectives, Budget objectives, Program milestones
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. We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Engine Principal to drive the development of next-generation high-thrust hypergolic propulsion systems for crewed spaceflight applications. This individual will be responsible for leading the engine development effort from early concept and architecture definition through qualification and flight readiness, ensuring the successful delivery of safe, reliable, and high-performance propulsion hardware. As a key technical leader within the organization, the Engine Principal will play a central role in shaping propulsion strategy, developing team capabilities, mitigating technical risks, and ensuring propulsion systems meet demanding performance, reliability, schedule, and cost objectives. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Technical Leadership - Lead the end-to-end development of high-thrust hypergolic rocket engines from concept through flight readiness. - Lead preparation and execution of major program reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.), supporting certification activities and customer reviews. - Ensure compliance with industry standards, human-rating requirements, and quality processes throughout the product lifecycle. - Engine Architecture - Establish engine architecture and drive key design decisions. - Conduct trade studies, simulation, and analytical assessments to optimize engine performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost. - Own propulsion technical requirements and contribute to long-term propulsion technology strategy and innovation roadmaps. - Program Execution - Plan, coordinate, and oversee engine development activities to achieve technical, schedule, and budget objectives. - Lead development and qualification, including verification, validation, certification, and flight-re
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