Mechanical Fitting Operator – Propulsion Valves

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.

Our Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration & Test (MAIT) team is building the industrial means to manufacture and qualify critical flight hardware.

We are looking for a Mechanical Fitting Operator – Propulsion Valves to support the assembly, preparation, and functional testing of our gas and propellant valves, working closely with AIT and design engineers.

Main responsibilities

As a Mechanical Fitting Operator - Propulsion Valves, you will play a key role in building and validating critical flight hardware:

• Valve assembly and fitting: High precision mechanical assembly of propulsion valves according to drawings, specifications, and work instructions.

• Preparation and cleanliness: cleaning, passivation, and preparation of components and valves in to meet space-quality requirements.

• Functional testing in production: carrying out acceptance functional tests in series to validate flight valves before delivery.

• Inspection and quality control: performing dimensional checks, leak checks, and visual inspections, ensuring compliance with aerospace standards.

• Documentation and reporting: completing shop-floor documentation, reporting anomalies/non-conformities, and contributing to continuous improvement of assembly and test processes.

• Support logistics and worshop daily tasks (procuring consumable, etc...)

Profile

• Technical diploma or apprenticeship in mechanical fitting, precision mechanics, aerospace assembly, or equivalent.

• 3–5 years of experience in precision mechanical assembly, ideally with valves, fluidic systems, or aerospace components.

• Hands-on skills in precision assembly, torqueing, sealing, alignment, and leak testing.

• Experience with cleanroom operations, cleaning, and passivation is a strong plus.

• Familiarity with dimensional inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges).

• Awareness of flight-quality procedures (documentation, traceability, cleanliness).

• Ability to read and follow technical drawings and procedures.

• Detail-oriented, rigorous, and proactive, with a strong team spirit.

What we offer

• Direct involvement in the assembly and functional testing of critical propulsion valves for spaceflight.

• Daily collaboration with AIT engineers, design engineers, and quality teams in an international environment.

• Start-up industrial setting with high variety and hands-on responsibilities.

• Position based in Bordeaux (France), with occasional travel.

If you are passionate about precision assembly, valve integration, and functional acceptance testing of spacecraft propulsion hardware, and want to contribute directly to the success of flight missions, join us!

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.