Materials and Processes 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 are seeking a talented Materials and Processes Engineer to play a leading role in defining and driving all Materials and Processes (M&P) activities, including Cleanliness and Contamination Control, across the full lifecycle of our space systems. This role spans design, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing, ensuring robust material selection, process qualification, and compliance with spaceflight requirements.

You will contribute to the development and industrialization of critical hardware and structures, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure performance, reliability, and manufacturability. More broadly, you will support the implementation of M&P best practices across the company, enabling scalable, high-quality production for current and future space missions.

Key Responsibilities:

As a Materials and Processes Engineer, your role will evolve continuously as the company and its programs mature. On a day-to-day basis, your responsibilities will include:

· Conduct trade studies for M&P technical solutions, including make/buy, suppliers, materials, processes and technical recommendations, to support informed design and industrial decisions.

· Define, maintain, and close M&P requirements and controlled lists for current and future missions.

· Support design reviews at all levels by assessing documentation and specifications to ensure compliance with applicable NASA and ECSS standards for spaceflight hardware.

· Evaluate whether supplier materials and manufacturing processes meet defined M&P requirements, including qualification and acceptance criteria, and provide recommendations where gaps are identified.

· Define, qualify, and continuously improve in-house manufacturing and inspection processes, ensuring robustness, repeatability, and compliance with space standards.

· Collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test teams to promote an efficient end-to-end philosophy, reviewing CAD models, manufacturing drawings, test plans, and handling procedures for compatibility with approved processes.

· Define, own, and enforce the Cleanliness and Contamination Control plan for internal manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test activities, ensuring consistent application across facilities and programs.

What we would love to see from you:

For the role of Materials and Processes Engineer, we are looking for a candidate with the following qualifications and experience:

· An advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline; a background in Materials Science is a strong asset.

· At least 5 years of experience in materials and processes engineering applied to complex hardware and manufacturing environments, ideally within high-reliability or regulated industries.

· Working knowledge of programming and data analysis tools (e.g. Python, MATLAB, Fortran) to support engineering analyses, process development, or data-driven decision-making.

· Fluency in English is required; proficiency in German and/or French is considered a plus.

We are looking for a candidate who demonstrates the following skills and behaviors:

· Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical topics clearly and effectively.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, enabling structured decision-making in technically demanding environments.

· Proven ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic and evolving context.

· A positive, adaptable, and solution-oriented mindset, with the flexibility required to deliver results in fast-paced programs.

· The ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, from technical teams to management and external partners.

· Consistent demonstration of behaviors aligned with The Exploration Company’s core values of Vision, Competence, Integrity, and Passion.

· A genuine interest in space systems and exploration, with the drive to contribute to the transformation of the European 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.