Design & Mechanical Engineer [In-Orbit Cryo Systems]

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.

Our Future Projects unit is dedicated to expanding and complementing these capabilities by conceptualizing and pre-developing new technologies, products and programs.

We are currently looking for a Mechanical / Design Engineer to play a key role in the conceptual and preliminary design of mechanical subsystems and interfaces for an in-orbit cryogenic refueling system.

As a Mechanical / Design Engineer, you will contribute to the definition, design and early validation of mechanical architectures and interfaces supporting cryogenic fluid transfer operations in space. You will work closely with the System Engineer and Cryogenic Systems Engineer, as well as cross-functional specialists (thermal, MAIT, avionics), to ensure mechanical feasibility, robustness, and compatibility of the system and its interfaces.

You will contribute directly to Phase 0/A and Phase B1 activities, including concept definition, design trade-offs, interface definition and early prototyping or test preparation.

You will be part of the Future Systems team, reporting to the Lead Cryogenic Refueling, and working closely with other engineering disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Architecture & Design

• Contribute to the conceptual and preliminary mechanical design of cryogenic refueling subsystems and interfaces.

• Develop and assess mechanical architectures for interfaces, supports, housings and integration concepts.

• Support the definition of mechanical design requirements and contribute to requirement flow-down.

• Participate in design trade-offs to balance performance, mass, robustness, manufacturability and integration constraints.

Mechanical Analysis & Design Support

• Perform or support preliminary mechanical analyses (e.g. loads, stiffness, thermal-mechanical behavior, tolerances).

• Contribute to the definition of mechanical margins and design envelopes at system and subsystem level.

• Support the assessment of mechanical behavior under cryogenic and space environmental conditions.

• Work in coordination with thermal engineers for thermo-mechanical consistency.

Interfaces & Integration

• Contribute to the definition and maintenance of mechanical interface control documents (ICDs).

• Ensure compatibility and consistency of mechanical interfaces with cryogenic, thermal and system-level constraints.

• Support integration aspects, including assembly, alignment and accessibility considerations.

• Provide mechanical inputs to prototyping, breadboarding and test preparation activities.

Reviews & Design Maturity

• Contribute to the preparation of design documentation and technical justifications.

• Participate in technical reviews (internal or external), commensurate with experience level.

• Support early identification and mitigation of mechanical risks.

What We Would Love to See From You

• A Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience in the space sector, including exposure to early development phases (Phase 0/A/B).

• A solid understanding of mechanical design principles applied to space hardware and interfaces.

• Experience with CAD tools and mechanical design methods.

• Awareness of mechanical design constraints for cryogenic and space environments.

• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, communicate clearly, and progressively take ownership of design topics.

• Fluency in English.

Desirable

• Familiarity with space engineering standards (ECSS, NASA or equivalent).

• Experience with system engineering practices (requirements, interfaces, V&V).

• Exposure to mechanisms, interfaces or fluid-related hardware.

• Knowledge of German, French and/or Italian.

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.