Turbopump Principal Engineer

About the role

The is a pivotal leadership position within the Future Project division, responsible for driving the technical execution of the Nyx propulsion system. You will own the complete development lifecycle of the turbomachinery, from initial concept definition through detailed design, rigorous testing, and final qualification. This role requires deep expertise in liquid-propellant rocket engines, with a specific focus on turbopump system architecture and integration. You will translate high-level vehicle requirements into precise turbopump specifications and system architectures. The position demands leadership in managing complex engineering workflows and aligning technical deliverables with business objectives. You will act as the primary technical authority for turbopump-related decisions, ensuring that all development activities adhere to stringent safety and reliability standards. Your work will directly influence the performance, efficiency, and success of the entire orbital vehicle program.

Key facts

What you'll do

You will orchestrate engine development workflows from intake through to partners across five distinct stages, ensuring seamless progression from concept to flight hardware. Designing turbopump architectures will be a core responsibility, requiring you to balance performance, reliability, and manufacturability from the outset. Managing planning resources effectively, you will align technical schedules and budgets with the preparation of compelling business proposals. You will coordinate with suppliers to evaluate cost, quality, and delivery timelines for critical hardware components, mitigating supply chain risks proactively. Leading test campaigns to validate turbopump performance, reliability, and integration with the engine will involve defining test objectives, procedures, and success criteria. Mentoring engineers of diverse backgrounds, you will set clear objectives, conduct thorough reviews, and actively support the professional growth of your team. Early risk mitigation for turbopump development will be your priority, with actionable countermeasures defined, tracked, and implemented rigorously. You will oversee manufacturing capabilities and test stands to ensure ground infrastructure robustly supports propulsion goals and operational needs. Championing technical decisions that balance performance, schedule, and system impacts across the orbital vehicle will require strong judgment and cross-functional influence. You will serve as the central technical link between design, analysis, production, and testing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Requirements

You hold a Master's degree or higher, or an NZ and AUS "Bachelor with honors," in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline, providing a solid foundation for this role. A minimum of eight years of relevant experience in liquid-propellant rocket turbomachinery is mandatory, demonstrating a proven track record of success. You have led space projects from the early design phases through development test campaigns and into hardware qualification, showcasing end-to-end ownership. A strong understanding of liquid-propellant rocket systems and engines as complete, integrated systems is essential for making informed technical decisions. Mastery of thermodynamics and mechanical design fundamentals is expected, as these principles underpin all turbopump functionality. You possess a clear understanding of machine dynamics, such as rotordynamics, to ensure stable and efficient turbopump operation. Familiarity with industry standard and emerging manufacturing methods and their constraints is required to enable practical and cost-effective solutions. Proven experience in handling external suppliers and managing complex technical interfaces is essential for successful project execution. Fluency in English is mandatory for effective communication, and German is an asset for collaboration within the local team and stakeholders.

Skills and behaviors

You demonstrate a strong ability to work in close collaboration with colleagues from varied expertise, background, and seniority, fostering an inclusive team environment. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required to articulate complex technical concepts clearly and persuasively. Strong analysis and problem-solving capabilities must be evident, allowing you to navigate challenging technical issues effectively. You possess strong research skills and the ability to infer useful information from partial or even contradictory sources, a critical skill in fast-paced development. A drive towards excellence, coupled with the ability to work within time constraints, is necessary to meet ambitious project milestones. Proficiency in organizing and prioritizing tasks is essential to manage the multifaceted responsibilities of this role. Your behavior must align with The Exploration Company's core values of Mission, Vision, Integrity, Excellence, and Teamwork in all professional interactions. Enthusiasm for space exploration is required, and you must be ready to impact the future global space industry through your contributions.

Why join us

What makes The Exploration Company special is our commitment to agility, openness, and collaboration, creating an environment where innovation thrives. We make fast decisions while keeping goals and systems in mind, ensuring efficient progress on complex challenges. We are transparent about risks and obstacles to cooperate on solutions, fostering a culture of honesty and shared problem-solving. We refuel our energy because we are democratising space, a wonderful and rare opportunity that inspires our team daily. This role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge technology that pushes the boundaries of orbital access and reusability. You will be part of a dedicated team passionate about making space more accessible and sustainable for the future. Your expertise will contribute directly to the success of a new era in space exploration.

Practical notes

Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate, including visa sponsorship where applicable, to support your transition to Munich. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project requirements. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon this check conducted through Zinc Work Limited. The position requires availability for full-time work in Munich, with potential travel to test facilities as needed for campaign leadership. This role is not eligible for part-time or contract arrangements outside the specified full-time engagement.