Nyx Crew Vehicle Design Principal

About the role

The Exploration Company is seeking an experienced Vehicle Design Principal to spearhead the mechanical development of the Nyx orbital vehicle, a critical step in enabling future crewed missions. In this role, you will own the end-to-end mechanical design and technical strategy for the vehicle, guiding the concept phase through detailed design, qualification, and flight readiness. You will lead the creation and evolution of detailed CAD models, complex assemblies, and precise technical drawings that define the vehicle's structure and mechanical systems. The position requires driving system-level trade studies and analytical assessments to optimize performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost. You will establish the foundational vehicle architecture, defining key layout, structural elements, and design decisions that shape the entire program. This role is responsible for ensuring all mechanical systems meet stringent human-rating requirements, industry standards, and rigorous safety criteria. You will own the mechanical technical requirements and contribute directly to the long-term innovation and technical roadmap for the vehicle.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the development of detailed CAD models, assemblies, and technical drawings for the primary and secondary vehicle structural elements and mechanical systems.
• Establish the overall system layout, component accommodation, and interface definition using a top-down design approach while managing large, complex assemblies.
• Conduct comprehensive trade studies, mechanical simulation, and analytical assessments to optimize vehicle performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost.
• Perform preliminary mechanical analysis, including first-order sizing and specification of structures, and provide models for structural static and dynamic analysis.
• Own the development and management of Product Lifecycle Management workflows, Bill of Materials configurations, and Interface Control Documents.
• Provide models and necessary information for system-level analyses in areas such as structural static and dynamic, thermal, and other vehicle-level simulations.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee development activities to ensure alignment with technical, schedule, and budget objectives throughout the vehicle lifecycle.
• Lead development, qualification, verification, validation, certification, and flight-readiness activities for mechanical hardware.
• Identify, mitigate, and resolve technical risks and anomalies, ensuring delivery of qualified flight hardware that meets program milestones.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary mechanical team, providing technical mentorship and fostering a culture of excellence.
• Manage technical interactions with suppliers, development partners, and external stakeholders, including component selection, procurement oversight, and acceptance activities.
• Collaborate closely with subsystems, MAIT, and program teams to ensure seamless system integration and mechanical compatibility.
• Conduct preliminary mechanical analysis, including first-order sizing and specification of structures and components.
• Communicate technical status, risks, and recommendations clearly to stakeholders, ensuring alignment between mechanical activities and broader vehicle objectives.

Requirements

• Hold a B.S. in Mechanical Design, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a similar related discipline.
• Possess 10+ years of relevant engineering experience, with advanced degrees considered in lieu of equivalent experience.
• Demonstrate a system mindset with proven capability in understanding and managing complex systems.
• Have documented experience designing, integrating, and testing space systems, vehicles, or component/subsystems.
• Include direct experience in one or more areas such as structure design and analysis, manufacturing, integration, and test.
• Show experience designing structural components for demanding environments.
• Be proficient with CAD and lifecycle management tools, including plumbing and/or electrical harness routing in 3D and finite element analysis software.
• Have familiarity with environmental testing methods, including vibration, shock, acoustic, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing.
• Have experience working with external customers such as commercial companies and government agencies like NASA, AFRL, and DARPA.
• Due to federal regulations such as ITAR/EAR, applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, such as current Green Card holders.
• The position is based in Houston, TX, requiring on-site presence.

Practical notes

This role operates on a full_time schedule with a location requirement in Houston, Texas. There may be travel involved as part of the position, and candidates must meet all visa and citizenship requirements as dictated by U.S. federal regulations. No specific deadline for application submission is provided in the source material.