Deputy Chief 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 Storm Deputy Chief Engineer to lead the design, integration, and test of the engine system and turbomachinery for our next-gen high-thrust cryogenic rocket engine (LOX/LCH4). He/she will report to the Storm Chief Engineer and act as their technical deputy, owning engine-level system design and the turbomachinery domain (turbopumps, rotordynamics, bearings and seals, and their integration with the preburner/gas generator) end to end, from architecture through hot-fire testing.

This role is responsible for the technical soundness of the engine system and turbomachinery subsystems, translating the Chief Engineer's overall architecture and vision into detailed design, integration, and validated hardware — while standing in for the Chief Engineer on day-to-day technical arbitration when needed.

The Deputy Chief Engineer owns the technical integrity, performance, and safety of the engine system and turbomachinery throughout their lifecycle — from architecture definition to prototype testing — and works closely with the Storm Chief Engineer and High Thrust Engine Lead to keep engineering excellence and delivery efficiency in balance.

Reporting Line

Reports to: Storm Chief Engineer

Key Responsibilities

• Engine System Design: Own the detailed design and integration of the engine system, including cycle definition, propellant supply, ignition, and interfaces between turbomachinery, combustion devices, and structures. Ensure design coherence with the overall Storm architecture set by the Chief Engineer.
• Turbomachinery Ownership: Serve as the primary technical owner of turbopump design — rotordynamics, bearings, seals, hydraulic and thermal design, and manufacturability — and of its integration with the preburner/gas generator. Lead technical reviews and arbitrate turbomachinery-specific trade-offs.
• Test & Validation: Lead engine system and turbomachinery test campaigns, from component-level rig testing through engine hot‑fire. Own test planning, instrumentation strategy, data review, and anomaly resolution.
• Mentorship and Technical Oversight: Provide guidance and mentorship to the engine systems and turbomachinery teams, fostering a culture of technical rigor, innovation, and accountability.
• Risk Management & Safety: Identify, assess, and manage technical risks within the engine system and turbomachinery domains. Support critical design and readiness reviews led by the Chief Engineer, and prepare non-conformance/design deviation packages for approval.
• Collaboration: Deputize for the Storm Chief Engineer on technical matters as required, including partner and supplier interactions on turbomachinery and engine systems. Coordinate closely with program management and other engineering domains to balance performance, cost, and schedule.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement in engine system and turbomachinery design tools, test methods, and team capability. Ensure lessons learned from testing are captured and fed back into design.

What we would love to see from you

• A minimum of a master's degree in propulsion engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
• Over 10 years of experience in liquid rocket engine development, with significant depth in engine system design and/or turbomachinery.
• Deep understanding of cryogenic propulsion systems, including turbopump design, rotordynamics, and hot‑gas systems.
• Proven track record of taking turbomachinery or engine systems from concept through detailed design and test.
• Hands‑on experience in engine or turbopump hot‑fire/rig testing and anomaly resolution.
• Ability to lead multi‑disciplinary technical teams and arbitrate design trades within the engine system domain.
• Experience managing subsystem‑level requirements, interfaces, and verification activities.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to make sound technical decisions under uncertainty, schedule, and cost pressure.
• Ability to work with geographically distributed teams and coordinate with external partners or suppliers.
• Fluent in English, with excellent written and verbal communication.
• Positive, adaptable, and collaborative mindset.

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, including Liechtenstein, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Why you should join us

• 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?

Compensation Range: €83.5K - €140K

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.