Senior Flight Operations 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.

Join us as a Senior Flight Operations Engineer, where you’ll develop operational products and serve as flight controller during Nyx missions.

*Applications at all seniority levels are considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop concept of operations for all flight phases (launch, rendezvous and proximity operations, docked operations, undock and departure, deorbit, entry, descent and landing, as well as recovery).

• Develop real-time operational products such as ground/crew procedures as well as flight rules in coordination with subsystem owners and external partners.

• Support pre-flight mission planning as the operations lead, ensuring all the operational constraints, timelines, and procedures are defined and integrated into the mission plan.

• Support operations coordination with our technical and programmatic partners (ESA, NASA, and CNES, etc.).

• Develop operational training curriculum and simulation scenarios as well as the flight controller certification process.

• Train for and operate Nyx missions as a flight controller/director (real-time on-console shift work).

What we would love to see from you:

The ideal candidate will have:

• Master’s degree in an engineering or science discipline.

• Technical knowledge of spacecraft systems and operations (e.g., communications, orbital mechanics, avionics, propulsion, thermal control, life support systems).

• Real time operations experience on a system that requires risk management and has high consequences in the event of failure (aircraft pilot, flight test engineer, search and rescue, etc.). Experience at a non-professional level is also considered relevant (mountaineering expeditions, offshore sailing, etc.).

• Previous experience in one or more of the following fields:

  • Avionics and software systems.

  • Fluid systems and fluid dynamics.

  • Communication systems.

  • Orbit and attitude dynamics.

• Strong written and verbal communication of technical information.

• Able to effectively manage projects and tasks while meeting aggressive deadlines.

• Thrives under pressure and is resilient in the face of technical challenges.

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

Bonus qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in engineering test, integration, or flight operations (industry internships and project teams qualify).

• Hands-on software development experience (e.g., Python, C++, Java, MATLAB).

• Previous experience in a customer-facing role working through design requirements, test acceptance, and verification (especially with a government customer such as ESA/NASA).

• Previous experience working with interdisciplinary teams to solve complex problems.

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.