Test Development Engineer (Propulsion)

Location: Bordeaux, France. Relocation assistance is provided, including visa sponsorship where applicable.

Company

The Exploration Company develops, produces, and operates Nyx, a modular and reusable orbital spacecraft, along with propulsion systems for future vehicles and missions.

What you will do

• Synthesize test bench requirements from user and operator needs and define verification methods and tests.
• Translate engine test objectives into facility-level functional and performance requirements.
• Evaluate hardware, software, equipment, components, and facility options through technical trade-offs.
• Develop preliminary ground support equipment designs, prepare and maintain P&IDs, and support cost, schedule, procurement, commissioning, maintainability, and acceptance planning.
• Perform risk, hazard, FMEA, and HAZOP assessments and define mitigation or design changes required for safe operations.
• Coordinate facility development from design and manufacturing through installation, commissioning, operations, upgrades, and maintenance with procurement, AIT, and design teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field; a master’s degree or higher is preferred.
• 2–5 years of experience in propulsion, test facility development, experimental engineering, or a related field.
• Practical experience designing, developing, commissioning, or operating test facilities, preferably for rocket propulsion systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including interpreting technical data, challenging assumptions, and making evidence-based engineering recommendations.
• Ability to work autonomously on assigned technical topics and contribute effectively to a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.

Nice to have

• Experience designing test facilities for cryogenic propulsion systems.
• Relevant experience with other cryogenic or high-pressure fluid systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Agile environment with fast decision-making while maintaining clear goals and systems.
• Open and collaborative culture focused on transparency about risks and obstacles.
• Relocation assistance, including visa sponsorship where applicable.
• Equal opportunity workplace committed to diversity and non-discrimination.

Hiring process

• Submit a CV for immediate consideration.
• Offers are contingent on a successful background check, subject to the country, role, and project.