Valves Procurement Engineer [Orbital Vehicle]

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.

The heart of a spacecraft lies in its propulsion system, and that's why we, at The Exploration Company, are dedicated to developing our own cutting-edge Propulsion Systems ensuring the highest level of efficiency and reliability in our space endeavours.

We are seeking a talented Valves Procurement Engineer to help us in our mission by leading the procurement of valves during development and flight production.

In your capacity as a Valve Procurement Engineer, you will be responsible for the technical and programmatic compliance (on-time, on-cost and on-quality) of the valves (bang bang valve, latching valves, solenoid valves) we will procure.

Key responsibilities:

• Define and maintain the best technical baseline for the valves, in strong collaboration with the system, avionics, vehicle design and AIT teams: requirements specification (including verification method), product architecture, interfaces (fluidic, mechanical, thermal, electrical and data) and performances.

• Actively support the engineering teams (system, VDT, avionics, propulsion) during the Nyx Earth capsule design and development, with a focus on the valve interfaces.

• Follow-up on the valves suppliers' activities:

• Act as the point of contact between TEC and the suppliers, establishing strong and efficient relationships with the suppliers, while ensuring TEC technical and programmatic needs are met.

• Actively participate in the development and flight units production activities, implementing regular and effective monitoring of suppliers' activities to ensure on-time, on-cost and on-quality delivery.

• Review and validate suppliers' deliverables (documentation, mathematical models and hardware), participate and validate suppliers' reviews (design reviews, TRR, TRB...).

• Support the AIT team during preparation for integration, integration and testing of the valves on the propulsion development and qualification models and on the flight propulsion system, including review and validation of assembly and test procedures, review and validation of test results, and timely resolution of any non-conformances.

• Support preparation of flight operations and procedures, participate to rehearsal and flight operations, review and analyse flight data and treat any abnormal fluid component behavior.

What we would love to see from you:

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, with an advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in procurement and worldwide suppliers management for spacecraft liquid propulsion units.

• Strong understanding of valves (solenoid valves, latching valves, torque motor valves...), including design, manufacturing and testing.

• Strong leadership and management skills, capable of leading geographically distributed suppliers and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality products.

• Excellent collaboration skills for working effectively across departments to achieve seamless system integration.

• Fluency in English (French and/or German is an asset).

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.