Mechanism Development 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 Mechanical Engineer to help us in our mission by designing, developing, and testing mechanisms for our vehicles. Your work will contribute to the success of space missions, ensuring that critical components function reliably in the harsh environment of outer space.

Key Responsibilities

In your capacity as a Mechanism Engineer, your role will be continuously evolving, but day to day your duties will include:

1. Mechanism Design and Development:

   • To conceptualize, design, and develop space mechanisms.

   • Create innovative solutions for critical space grade components.

   • Contribute to mechanisms components specification and supplier selection.

   • Perform kinematic, torque, or force analysis.

   • Consider factors such as weight, reliability, environmental effects, and precision when designing mechanisms.

   • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers

2. Research and Analysis:

   • Conduct research to solve complex engineering problems related to space mechanisms.

   • Analyse existing designs and propose justification or improvements based on scientific principles and industry best practices.

3. Testing and Validation:

   • Develop test plans and procedures for space mechanisms.

   • Validate mechanisms through ground-based testing and simulations.

   • Ensure that mechanisms meet performance, safety, and reliability standards.

4. Documentation and Reporting:

   • Maintain detailed records of design iterations, test results, and modifications.

   • Prepare technical reports and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.

   • Contribute to maintaining a Product Breakdown Structure through GitHub.

Skills

• Experience with kinematic, torque and force calculations.

• Knowledge of tribology (friction, wear, and lubrication) in space applications will set your application above the rest.

• Familiarity with pyrotechnic devices used in spacecraft deployment would be an asset.

• Understanding of control systems and feedback mechanisms.

• GitHub and markdown experience not required but appreciated.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.

• First experience in mechanisms development

• Good understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.

• Experience with CAD software (such as Nx (Siemens) or CATIA) for 3D modeling and simulation.

• Basics of space environment challenges (vacuum, radiation, extreme temperatures) and their impact on mechanisms.

• Problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Familiarity with industry standards and guidelines for space mechanisms.

• Fluent in English. Italian is an asset.

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.