Lab Technician – Mechanical Laboratory

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 have recently established a mechanical testing laboratory in our Bordeaux site to support internal development and qualification of hardware — especially 3D printed parts and subsystem assemblies. The lab is now operational, equipped with tensile/fatigue benches, metallography tools, and a Mitutoyo CMM.

We are looking for a Lab Technician to operate this equipment on a daily basis and support the execution and continuous improvement of our test campaigns. You will work in close coordination with the Laboratory Engineer and with other teams in Design, Manufacturing, and Quality.

Your Mission

Your role will focus on performing and supporting mechanical tests and inspections within our internal lab, including:

• Conducting mechanical tests: tensile, compression, hardness, bending and fatigue testing on metallic and polymer parts (mainly 3D printed).

• Preparing test samples (cutting, mounting, polishing, etching) for metallographic analysis and microscopy.

• Performing dimensional inspections using a Mitutoyo CMM or conventional tools and assisting with part referencing and reporting.

• Operating all lab equipment safely and efficiently.

• Applying and improving test procedures in collaboration with the Lab Engineer.

• Recording test conditions, results, and anomalies accurately in internal databases and reports.

• Supporting preventive maintenance and daily upkeep of the lab (calibrations, consumables, cleanliness, ESD, etc.).

Your Profile

• Education: BTS, DUT, or Licence Pro in Mechanical Testing, Materials, or Industrial Measurements.

• Experience:

• At least 2 years in a mechanical or materials testing lab.

• Hands-on experience with CMMs (Mitutoyo or similar) and GD&T interpretation.

• Familiarity with metallographic sample preparation and microscopy is a plus.

• Skills:

• Rigorous, methodical, and confident with physical testing and instrumentation.

• Comfortable working with procedures, data logging, and quality documentation.

• Proactive and collaborative, with a willingness to improve workflows and solve practical problems.

• Languages: Working proficiency in either French or English. Basic level in the other language is a plus.

What We Offer

• A hands-on technical role in a space-qualified testing lab with direct impact on flight hardware.

• A growing company where your expertise and suggestions matter.

• A multi-disciplinary environment, working at the intersection of design, manufacturing, quality, and testing.

• A team based in Bordeaux and connected to our engineering centre in Munich.

• The opportunity to develop your skills and responsibilities as the lab and company grow.

Apply Now

If you’re a lab technician who enjoys precision, autonomy, and space hardware, come join our Nyx mission and help us shape the future of European space transportation.

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.