Valve Development Engineer

About the role

You will own the complete development lifecycle of solenoid isolation valves critical to Nyx's storable propulsion system, translating high-level system requirements into robust electromechanical designs. You will lead the concept, modeling, and qualification activities that prove the valve meets stringent reliability and performance targets for space missions. This role requires you to balance electromagnetic performance, mechanical robustness, and manufacturing feasibility while maintaining a clear traceability to system needs. You will own technical decisions at the intersection of fluid dynamics, magnetics, and material science to ensure mission success. You will act as the technical authority for valves, resolving complex design conflicts and making trade studies to protect schedule and performance. You will own the validation strategy, ensuring that every design decision can be verified and that the final product is ready for the harsh environment of space propulsion.

Key facts

What you'll do

Define solenoid isolation valve architecture, including poppet/seat geometry, actuation mechanism, and sealing concept, to satisfy functional and interface requirements.

Perform mechanical sizing and trade studies on force margins, spring rates, stroke, and response time to guide design decisions and validate performance boundaries.

Design and analyze the solenoid actuator, including coil, armature, and magnetic circuit, to meet power, thermal, and response time requirements.

Collaborate with electrical engineers on coil drive electronics, EMI/EMC constraints, and power conditioning to ensure robust actuation in-flight.

Select materials and sealing solutions compatible with storable propellants, addressing long-term compatibility, permeation, and contamination sensitivity.

Define sealing concepts, evaluating elastomeric and metal-to-metal approaches, to balance leak-tightness, cycle life, and operational margins.

Coordinate with materials engineering to qualify propellant-wetted materials and ensure compatibility across the valve lifecycle.

Develop and execute a verification plan for valve qualification, working with test engineers to define test setups, success criteria, and acceptance thresholds.

Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to optimize design for manufacturability, testability, and cost-effectiveness in line with program objectives.

Support anomaly investigations and root cause analysis for valve-level issues, documenting lessons learned and implementing corrective actions.

Contribute to system-level analyses by providing accurate valve performance data, pressure drops, and actuation characteristics for integration.

Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards such as NASA and ECSS requirements throughout the design and qualification process.

Champion continuous improvement by incorporating test results and feedback into design iterations to enhance reliability and performance.

Requirements

B.S. in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering, with hands-on experience designing valves or similar electromechanical fluid components for space or aerospace applications.

Demonstrated experience in solenoid/electromagnetic actuator design, including magnetic circuit design, coil design, and force and motion analysis.

Strong understanding of sealing technology, including elastomer and metal seal design, and proven experience with propellant compatibility for storable propellants.

Proficiency in CAD software such as CATIA or NX, and experience with mechanical analysis tools for performance and durability simulation.

Experience defining and supporting qualification test campaigns for valves, including test planning, execution support, and data interpretation.

Familiarity with applicable standards for valve qualification, such as those from NASA, ECSS, or other relevant aerospace specifications.

A hands-on approach to problem-solving, combined with a collaborative mindset to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and integrate diverse inputs.

Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail and traceability.

Capability to work autonomously while collaborating productively with remote teams across different locations and time zones.

Positive and flexible attitude in a constantly evolving environment, with grit to overcome technical challenges and deliver results on schedule.

Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences, from technical specialists to cross-functional stakeholders.

Behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company's core values of Commitment, Innovation, Trust, Quality, and Teamwork in daily decision-making and interactions.

Nice to have

Experience with storable propellants and flight heritage of valve systems in space missions.

Knowledge of relevant certification processes and quality standards for aerospace hardware.

Familiarity with programmatic constraints such as schedule, cost, and supply chain considerations in space programs.

Practical notes

This role is based in Bordeaux, France, and requires travel to Munich as needed for project activities.

Relocation assistance and visa sponsorship are available for candidates who require them.

All offers are contingent upon successful completion of background checks as required by the role and country.