Engine Control Engineer

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 engine, 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 Engine Control Engineer to join our Future Project division. As a key member of our engineering team, you will be responsible for developing the engine controller of our high-thrust rocket engines.

Key Responsibilities

• Closely interact with functional engineers in the definition of an engine regulation strategy

• In close interaction with the System Team Lead, defining the maturation logic of engine controller

• Designing an engine controller and interfaces with the different regulation components, sensors... proactively engaging the relevant stakeholders (subcomponents development engineers, avionics engineers...)

• Contributing to defining specifications to engine subsystems

• Lead demonstrator hardware-in-the-loop test campaigns to validate the performances of the developped engine controller

• Producing high-quality development documentation including specifications, definition and justification files, test procedures...

What we would love to see from you

• Master's Degree or higher (or NZ and AUS "Bachelor with honors") in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related and applicable technical discipline. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree with substantial relevant experience

• Minimum 5 years of proven experience working with any kind of controller development activities

• Strong fundamentals in control theory

• Good understanding of safety-critical design practices, reliability engineering and failure mode analysis

• Experience writing scripts in languages like Python and Matlab

• Basics of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics

• (Optional) Knowledge in electronic hardware design

• (Optional) Knowledge of space relevant standards (ECSS, MIL-STD, NASA-HBK...) and regulations is an asset

• (Optional) Hands-on experience developing hardware from concept to working prototypes is an asset

Skills and Behaviors

• Strong ability to work in close collaboration with others

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Strong analysis and problem-solving skills

• Strong research skills and ability to infer useful information from partial or even contradictory sources

• Drive towards excellence coupled with ability to work within time constraints

• Proficiency in organization and prioritization of tasks

• Behavior consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Mission, Vision, Integrity, Excellence and Teamwork

• Enthusiasm for space exploration: be ready to have an impact on the future global space industry

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.