AIT Engineer – Propulsion Valves

Join to apply for the AIT Engineer – Propulsion Valves role at The Exploration Company .

We are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refueled in orbit and transport cargo—and potentially humans in the longer run.

Role Overview

We are looking for an AIT Engineer – Propulsion Valves to support the development and industrialization of our gas and propellant valves, working in close collaboration with the design team.

The Role Covers Three Key Areas

• Development of test benches (leak testing, endurance, dynamic performance, PID regulation).
• Establishment of manufacturing & assembly routings (inspection, passivation, cleanliness, flight‑quality justification).
• Establishment of testing routings and definition/execution of test plans for qualification & acceptance.
• Participation in building development valves and first flight models.

Key Responsibilities

• Test bench development: design, setup, and validation of electrical, mechanical and fluidic test benches (LabVIEW or equivalent, PID) to verify helium leak rates, actuation torque, dynamic response, regulation performance, endurance, pressure safety factors, and flow characteristics.
• Manufacturing & assembly routings: definition and implementation of assembly sequences, dimensional & particulate inspection, cleaning, passivation, and control procedures, considering DFM & DFA constraints.
• Execute assembly and test routings on development models and early flight units.
• Process justification: preparation and maintenance of industrial justification documents (inspection rationale, validation plans, compliance to space standards).
• Test plan definition & execution: elaboration of qualification, acceptance and test plans with design team, coordination of their execution, and joint analysis of results.
• Operational support: daily technical assistance to technicians and operators for assembly and testing.
• Quality & flight compliance: high‑precision dimensional control, adherence to cleanliness requirements and management of non‑conformities.
• Qualification & flight campaigns: support to environmental testing (vibration, shock, thermal, endurance) for flight readiness.
• Report writing after operations and tests.

What We'd Love To See From You

• Engineering degree (or equivalent) in precision mechanics, mechatronics, instrumentation, or aerospace.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in AIT, fluidic/valve test benches, precision mechanics, or process industrialization.
• Knowledge of control/automation (PID) and ideally LabVIEW programming.
• Strong awareness of passivation, cleanliness, inspection and flight‑quality requirements.
• Ability to define and execute test plans in collaboration with the design team.
• Rigorous, autonomous, hands‑on with a strong operational mindset.
• Fluency in English.

Why You Should Join Us!

• We’re Agile – we make decisions fast while keeping our goals and systems in mind.
• We’re Open and Collaborative – we are transparent about risks and obstacles so we can cooperate to overcome them.
• We have a lot of Fun – we refuel our energy knowing we are democratizing 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.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

#J-18808-Ljbffr