Composite CAD Design 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.

We want you as a talented Composite CAD design engineer to help us in our mission by designing and developing our composite structures for our spacecraft.

🚀 Mission

As a Composite Design Engineer, you will:

• Drive the design, modelling, and integration of composite parts and assemblies, ensuring optimal performance, manufacturability, and compliance with mission requirements.

• Be a key contributor to the definition and maturation of the vehicle’s composite architecture, from concept to detailed design and industrialization.

• Support to the definition and maturation of the vehicle's metallic parts.

🛠️ Key Responsibilities:

• Composite CAD Modelling: Build and mature CAD models of composite structures and sub-systems using Siemens NX (Fibersim experience highly valued), including layup definition, ply book creation, and integration with metallic and non-metallic parts.

• Metallic CAD modelling: To support the design, modelling, and integration of metallic parts and assemblies, ensuring their compatibility and integration with the overall vehicle architecture.

• Design for Manufacturing: Collaborate with manufacturing and process engineers to ensure designs are producible, cost-effective, and meet quality standards. Propose layup sequences, manufacturing processes, and tolerances.

• Material & Process Selection: Collaborate with the mechanical engineers to select appropriate composite materials (e.g., CFRP, sandwich panels) and processes, considering mission environments, thermal and mechanical loads, and supplier capabilities.

• Analysis Integration: Work closely with structural and thermal analysts to iterate designs based on FEA results, trade-offs, and test feedback.

• Documentation & Reviews: Prepare and release technical drawings, ply books, and design documentation. Participate in design reviews and support the qualification of composite parts.

• Configuration & Mass Management: Ensure configuration control of composite models and contribute to the vehicle mass budget tracking.

• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the development and improvement of composite design tools, databases, and best practices.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Engage in co-engineering sessions with mission analysis, propulsion, avionics, GNC, and system teams to ensure robust, integrated solutions.

🎓 What We Would Love to See from You

📜 Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering,

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in composite design for aerospace or high-performance applications.

• Experience in the design and development of metallic parts for aerospace or high-performance applications, including knowledge of relevant materials, manufacturing processes.

• Proficiency with Siemens NX (Fibersim or similar composite design modules preferred). Strong knowledge of aerospace vehicle design and associated challenges,

• Knowledge of composite materials, laminate theory, failure criteria, and manufacturing processes (e.g., RTM, pre-preg, sandwich construction).

• Experience with the design and verification of composite structures, including ply book creation and documentation.

• Fluent in English. German, French or Italian are an asset.

🛠️ Skills and Behaviors:

• Strong oral and written communication skills,

• Strong analysis and problem-solving skills,

• Strong organising and prioritisation of tasks,

• Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done,

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

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.