TPS Material Response 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 want you as a talented TPS Material Response engineer to help us in our mission by evaluating and optimizing the thermal protection system design and performance of our vehicles to ensure their safe return to Earth.

You will work closely with our mechanical, thermal and CAD engineers to optimize together the vehicle design and performances. You will be part of the Vehicle Design Team and will report to the Principal Aerothermal Engineer and the Vehicle Design Lead. You will work in close collaboration with GNC, Design and AIT teams.

Key Responsibilities

As a TPS Material Response engineer, your role will continually evolve, with key responsibilities including:

• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to integrate aerodynamic and aerothermal requirements into spacecraft design.

• Designing and optimizing thermal protection systems (TPS) to manage heat flux and maintain the spacecraft structural integrity especially during reentry.

• Performing sensitivity analyses and trade studies to evaluate the impact of design variables on reentry performance.

• Conducting plasma tests.

• Leading experimental campaigns for material characterization.

• Analyzing and interpreting data from tests and simulations to improve material models and TPS designs.

• Generating technical reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

• Developing and validating numerical models to simulate material response under reentry conditions.

• Supporting the development and qualification of new materials for TPS applications.

• Participating in design reviews and providing expert inputs on material response and thermal protection.

• Staying current with advancements in aerospace materials and thermal protection technologies through continuous learning and professional development.

What we would love to see from you

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Engineering diploma, Master of Science or PhD) in aerospace engineering, heat transfer and material behavior, or another related field,

• Experience with programming (Python, C++...),

• Strong knowledge on material response analysis,

• Knowledge of OpenFOAM,

• Experience in aerodynamic and aerothermal analysis is appreciated,

• Strong understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer,

• Familiarity with spacecraft systems and reentry vehicle design concepts is highly desirable.

Skills and Behaviours

• Fluent in English. Knowledge of German, Italian, and French is an asset,

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail,

• Effective and pedagogical communication, teamwork abilities,

• Strong oral and written communication skills,

• Strong analysis and problem-solving skills,

• Strong organizing and prioritization of tasks,

• Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done,

• Demonstrates behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Vision, Competence, Integrity and Passion.

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.