Turbomachinery AIT Engineer

About the role

Turbomachinery AIT Engineer, e-Pumps for Huracan

The Exploration Company is advancing a new era of orbital operations through Nyx, a modular and reusable space vehicle designed for potential refuelling in orbit and future human missions. To support this ambition, we are developing multiple propulsion systems for our vehicles and missions. A critical element of this propulsion development is the electric pump hardware for the Huracan engine. We are seeking a Turbomachinery AIT Engineer to focus exclusively on the development and production ramp-up of these e-pumps. This role is fundamental to translating propulsion design into flight hardware. You will operate at the forefront of space hardware development, directly influencing the success of our propulsion systems. The position demands a high level of ownership and initiative to drive complex activities forward without constant supervision. Your work will ensure that the mechanical components meet the stringent requirements of the space environment. Ultimately, your contributions will be a direct link between engineering design and the physical hardware that powers our vehicles.

Key Facts

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Location: Bordeaux

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Engagement: Full-time

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Compensation: 45,000-55,000 EUR per year

What you'll do

Prepare and execute detailed assembly and test procedures for electric pump hardware specific to the e-Pumps for Huracan program. Develop inspection plans and define acceptance criteria to ensure mechanical readiness and compliance for hardware prior to integration. Design and implement specialized tooling, jigs, and fixtures to secure bearings, rotors, and stators during high-precision assembly activities. Lead the meticulous assembly of intricate turbomachinery components, managing the integration of bearings, rotors, stators, and seals to exact specifications. Manage fluid interfaces and instrumentation hookups on test articles to ensure seamless mechanical and data integration at both the component and system levels. Support the validation of pump performance by coordinating test preparation and execution with internal bench teams and external test facility operators. Ensure test articles are configured correctly to produce reliable, repeatable, and traceable test data for analysis. Act as a primary technical interface with design engineering teams to provide critical feedback on manufacturability, assembly procedures, and testability (MAIT). Collaborate extensively with multidisciplinary teams, including design engineers, AIT engineers, technicians, suppliers, and test facility operators throughout the entire test article lifecycle. Maintain ownership of mechanical interface documentation and enforce strict traceability for every component used in the assembly and test process.

Requirements

Hold a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field as the foundational requirement for this position. Candidates must possess 1+ years of professional experience in turbomachinery MAIT or closely related fields, specifically involving fluidic systems and hardware validation. Hands-on experience with pump or rotating machinery testing, or equivalent experimental work in a technical environment, is a prerequisite for success in this role. A deep understanding of dynamic seals, bearings, and manufacturing processes is essential, including how methods like machining, welding, additive manufacturing, and surface treatments influence tolerances and performance. Applicants must possess a solid grasp of cryogenics, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics as they apply to the unique constraints of space hardware and propulsion systems. Demonstrate a solution-oriented mindset, paired with the creativity and curiosity required to navigate complex technical challenges and find practical engineering solutions. Clear communication skills are mandatory to enable effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams and to articulate technical concepts to diverse stakeholders. The role requires the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in France, and relocation assistance, including visa sponsorship where applicable, is available for qualified individuals.

Nice to have

None specified in the source material.

Practical notes

The engagement is full-time, requiring standard working hours as determined by the operational needs of the Bordeaux facility. Travel is not specified as a requirement for this role. The Exploration Company provides relocation assistance, including visa sponsorship where applicable, to support international candidates moving to France. All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which may be conducted by Zinc Work Limited, a UK-based third-party provider. This process is a mandatory step in the hiring process for this position.

Why Join The Exploration Company

Joining The Exploration Company means entering a distinctive environment defined by specific principles that guide all operations. We are Agile, making decisions rapidly while maintaining a constant focus on our goals and the systems that support our missions. We are Open and Collaborative, transparent about risks and obstacles to cooperate effectively on solutions that drive progress. We also ensure we have a lot of Fun, refueling our energy as we work to democratise space and make it accessible to more people. This represents a unique opportunity to build critical spaceflight hardware in an innovative setting; are you ready for the technical and professional challenge? If you wish to contribute to this journey and help shape the future of orbital operations, please submit your CV for immediate consideration. We will respond to your application shortly. The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.