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.
As a talented Component Manufacturing Engineer, you will own the manufacturing processes that turn solenoid isolation valve designs for our storable propulsion system into flight hardware — from precision machining and assembly through cleaning,
inspection, and supplier coordination..
Role Overview
Manufacturing Process Development & Optimization
Define and develop manufacturing processes for solenoid isolation valve components — machining, welding/brazing, coil winding, seal installation — ensuring compatibility with storable propellants.
Develop and qualify tooling and fixtures to ensure repeatable, high-precision assembly of valve components.
Drive continuous improvement of yield, cycle time, and cost through process optimization.
Assembly, Cleaning & Contamination Control
Define and enforce precision cleaning and contamination control procedures compliant with cleanliness requirements for storable-propellant-wetted components.
Support valve assembly and integration operations, ensuring build standards and travelers are followed.
Troubleshoot manufacturing issues — leaks, misalignment, seal damage — and implement corrective actions.
Supplier & Production Support
Coordinate manufacturing activities with the internal machine shop and external suppliers for machined and specialty parts (solenoid coils, seals, seats).
Support make-or-buy decisions and supplier qualification for valve components.
Provide manufacturing input during design reviews to ensure manufacturability of new valve designs.
Quality, Inspection & Documentation
Define inspection plans and acceptance criteria for valve components (dimensional, NDI, leak check).
Maintain manufacturing documentation, work instructions, and travelers, ensuring traceability and configuration control.
Support root-cause investigations for manufacturing non-conformances and drive corrective and preventive actions.
Key Responsibilities
Location
You will perform your duties principally at the Company's premises in Bordeaux and may be required to travel from time to time to our company’s premises in Munich in the course of your duties.
What we would love to see from you
B.S. in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering, with experience manufacturing precision flight hardware — valve or fluid-component experience is a strong plus.
Hands-on experience with machining, welding/brazing, or precision assembly processes.
Experience with cleanliness and contamination control for propellant-wetted hardware; storable/hypergolic propellant experience is a strong plus.
Familiarity with GD&T and inspection methods (CMM, leak testing).
Experience working with suppliers and production quality processes.
Familiarity with AS9100 or similar aerospace quality systems is a plus.
Skills and Behaviours:
A hands-on approach to problem-solving, combined with a collaborative mindset to work across multidisciplinary teams
Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask
Capability of working autonomously whilst collaborating productively with remote teams
Positive and flexible attitude in a constantly evolving environment
Grit to get the job done
Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences
Behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Commitment, Innovation, Trust, Quality, and Teamwork
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.
All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible.
If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.