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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.

We want you as a talented CFD analyst in aerodynamic and aerothermal engineering domains to help us in our mission by evaluating and optimizing the aerodynamic performance of our vehicles and support thermal protection systems sizing of our capsules, especially during atmospheric reentry, ensuring their safe return to Earth. You will work closely with our mechanical, aerodynamics and CAD engineers to optimize together the vehicle design and performances. You will be part of the Vehicle Design Team and will report to the Principal Thermal Engineer and the Vehicle Design Lead. You will work in close collaboration with GNC, Design and AIT teams.

Key Responsibilities

As a CFD analyst, your role will continually evolve, with key responsibilities including:

• Conducting aerodynamic analyses and simulations to assess the capsule's stability.

• Developing and refining computational fluid dynamic (CFD) models to predict aerodynamic forces, heating rates, and thermal loads.

• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to integrate aerodynamic and aerothermal requirements into spacecraft design.

• Designing and optimizing thermal protection systems (TPS) to manage heat flux and maintain structural integrity during reentry.

• Performing sensitivity analyses and trade studies to evaluate the impact of design variables on reentry performance.

• Generating technical reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

• Conducting wind tunnel or plasma tests.

• Leading experimental campaigns for material characterization.

What we would love to see from you

• Advanced degree (Master of Science or PhD) in aerospace engineering, heat transfer and fluid mechanics, or another related field,

• 3 to 5 years proven working experience in aerodynamic and aerothermal analysis, especially in spacecraft reentry contexts,

• Experience with programming (Python, Fortran, Matlab...),

• Knowledge on material response analysis is strongly appreciated,

• Experience with CFD tools such as OpenFOAM, ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, TAU, or similar,

• Experience with DSMC tools such as OpenFoam, Sparta, or similar,

• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics principles,

• Familiarity with spacecraft systems and reentry vehicle design concepts is highly desirable.

Skills and Behaviours

• Fluent in English. Knowledge of German, Italian, and French is an asset,

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail,

• Effective communication and teamwork abilities,

• Strong oral and written communication skills,

• Strong analysis and problem-solving skills,

• Strong organizing and prioritization of tasks,

• Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done,

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.