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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.

Our Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration & Test (MAIT) team is building the industrial means to manufacture and qualify critical flight hardware.

We are looking for an Industrialization Leader – Propulsion Valves to define and implement the industrial strategy for the development and production of our gas and propellant valves, ensuring robust processes, qualified suppliers, and industrial readiness for flight hardware.

Main responsibilities

As an Industrialization Leader – Propulsion Valves, you will be responsible for the complete industrial logic of the valve product line:

• Industrial scheme definition: establish and deploy the industrialization roadmap for propulsion valves, covering the 5M (Manpower, Machine, Method, Material, Measurement) across internal and external flows.

• Supplier involvement: contribute to supplier identification, consultation, evaluation, and selection in collaboration with procurement; support suppliers in reaching the industrial maturity expected for space (audits, process validation, capability assessments).

• Process definition and validation: define internal routings, key process parameters, and acceptance criteria; organize and oversee industrial qualification activities (PQR, NCR resolution, audits).

• Cross-functional leadership: act as the industrial counterpart to the Technical Leader Valves (design/product logic) and Program Management (planning, cost, schedule), ensuring strong alignment.

• Industrial risk management: identify risks related to valve manufacturing and assembly (precision machining, cleanliness, functional testing), define mitigation plans, and drive continuous improvement.

• Governance and reporting: represent industrialization in program reviews (PDR, CDR, Maturity Gates), consolidate supplier and process status, and ensure valve industrial readiness for flight milestones.

Profile

• Engineering degree in aerospace, mechanical, industrial, or related fields.

• 5+ years of experience in industrialization, manufacturing engineering, or supplier qualification, ideally in aerospace valves, fluidic systems, or high-precision components.

• Demonstrated ability to define industrial schemes, qualify suppliers, and validate processes for flight hardware.

• Strong knowledge of aerospace and space standards (ECSS, EN9100, NASA/ESA standards, cleanliness/contamination control).

• Capacity to structure and manage the 5M industrial logic for a critical subsystem.

• Excellent communication skills with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

• Leadership, autonomy, and capacity to balance strategic vision with hands-on follow-up at suppliers and on the shop floor.

• Professional English (spoken and written).

What we offer

• Strategic responsibility for building the industrial backbone of propulsion valves for a reusable spacecraft.

• Active role in the industrial qualification of suppliers and processes, aligned with spaceflight requirements.

• Strong collaboration with Technical Leaders and Program Managers in a fast-paced, international environment.

• Start-up industrial setting combining strategic planning with operational implementation.

• Position based in Bordeaux (France), with travel to suppliers and partners in Europe and abroad.

If you want to shape the industrialization of propulsion valves, from process definition to supplier qualification and flight readiness, and play a central role in the success of the Nyx capsule, join us!

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.