Systems Senior Engineer [In-Orbit Cryo Refuelling]
The Exploration Company
Posted: January 21, 2026
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Quick Summary
We are looking for a Systems Senior Engineer to help shape the next generation of in-space servicing and refueling solutions.
Required Skills
Job Description
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 talented Systems Senior Engineer to help us shape the next generation of in-space servicing and refueling solutions. As a System Engineer in the Future Projects team, you will:
• Translate use cases and stakeholder needs into technical architectures and requirements.
• Lead the definition of system-level concepts and support cross-disciplinary engineering development.
• Drive the early phases of new technology maturation (Phase 0/A/B1).
• Contribute to building the foundation for sustainable, scalable orbital systems.
You will be part of the Future Systems team, reporting to the Lead Cryogenic Refuelling and working closely with the other engineering disciplines.
Key responsibilities:
Systems Architecture & Requirements
o Define system-level requirements and ensure proper flow-down to subsystem levels.
o Develop and maintain functional and physical architectures.
o Define the system functional breakdown and support specification tree development.
o Develop Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and manage interfaces with internal teams and partners.
Technical Coordination & Trade Studies
o Perform technical trade-offs and investigations at the system level (e.g., coupling mechanisms, refuelling strategies).
o Create and maintain system-level budgets (mass, power, data, etc.).
o Contribute to the project development plan and technical schedule alignment.
o Coordinate with engineering teams across propulsion, thermal, avionics, fluids, and software.
Engineering Governance & Reviews
o Organize and contribute to internal co-engineering sessions and external partner meetings.
o Set agenda, track actions, coordinate priorities, and take decisions.
o Support customer-facing technical reviews: Prepare data packs, manage RIDs, and ensure traceability.
o Contribute to risk identification and early verification planning (V&V matrix).
System-Level Mission Definition
o Support mission analysis and definition of operational concepts (CONOPS).
o Contribute to technology development roadmaps and maturation planning.
What we would love to see from you:
· Advanced degree (MSc) in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or another related field.
· Over 5 years of experience in the aerospace industry.
· Proven experience in early development phases (Phase 0/A/B).
· Solid understanding of architecture design, requirement engineering, and interface control.
· Basic programming/scripting ability (E.g., Python, Matlab, Fortran) for system modelling or tool automation.
· Fluency in English
Desirable:
· Familiarity with MBSE tools.
· Familiarity with ECSS or NASA systems engineering standards (strong plus).
· 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.