Lunar Lander Test Bench Development Senior 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.

At The Exploration Company, we are developing next-generation space transportation systems, including a lunar lander capable of precision landing and reusable operations. To support this effort, we are establishing a dedicated remote test site in the United Arab Emirates to perform hot-fire propulsion testing and hopper flight demonstrations.

As a Lunar Lander Test Bench Development Engineer, you will lead the design, development, and deployment of this new test facility from concept to operations. The role combines propulsion test infrastructure design, cryogenic fluid systems engineering, civil infrastructure coordination, and end-to-end project execution in a remote environment.

This position requires periodic travel to the UAE during site development, commissioning, and operations phases.

Key Responsibilities / Tasks

In this role, your responsibilities will evolve with project maturity. Day-to-day duties will include:

Test Site Development

• Define and synthesize system-level requirements for a remote lunar lander test site supporting hot firing and hopper flight testing.

• Lead the design and implementation of the complete facility, including ground infrastructure and utilities.

• Specify and implement propellant and pressurization systems including Liquid Oxygen, Liquid Methane, Helium, and Nitrogen.

• Design infrastructure enabling autonomous operation of a remote site (power generation, storage, logistics, safety systems).

Fluid and Cryogenic Systems Engineering

• Develop P&IDs for propulsion test facilities and associated ground support equipment.

• Design, size, and select components for cryogenic and high-pressure fluid systems.

• Ensure safe handling, storage, and distribution of cryogenic propellants and pressurants.

Infrastructure and Civil Engineering Coordination

• Define facility layout, foundations, structural interfaces, and site infrastructure requirements.

• Coordinate with civil engineering partners to implement test stands, safety perimeters, and support buildings.

Safety, Automation, and Operations

• Define and implement automation architectures for test operations and facility control, including safe connections with the vehicle to test.

• Develop and validate safety-critical systems protecting personnel, hardware, and environment.

• Perform hazard analyses (FMEA, HAZOP, risk assessments) and implement mitigation measures.

• Develop test procedures, operational concepts, and commissioning plans.

Project Leadership

• Lead end-to-end development of the test facility including design, procurement, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and operations readiness.

• Manage technical interfaces with internal teams, customers, and external suppliers.

• Perform trade-off analyses to optimize performance, safety, cost, and schedule.

• Support on-site deployment, integration, and test campaigns in the UAE.

What We Would Love to See From You

• Degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, energy systems, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in propulsion test facilities or hot-fire test bench development.

• Strong expertise in fluid systems engineering, including cryogenic propellants.

• Experience designing or operating ground support equipment for rocket propulsion systems.

• Knowledge of automation systems and safety-critical control architectures for industrial or test environments.

• Experience coordinating infrastructure or facility development in industrial or remote environments.

• Demonstrated project management capability across multidisciplinary engineering activities.

• Hands-on engineering mindset with strong problem-solving ability.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work across international teams.

• Willingness to travel to and work periodically in the United Arab Emirates.

Location: Bordeaux (France) in a first step and test campaign of few months in UAE - Full time UAE as an option

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.