Engine Functional Propulsion Intern

The Exploration Company

The Exploration Company

Bordeaux, France

Posted on May 18, 2026

Location

Bordeaux, France

Employment Type

Intern

Department

US & Future ProgramsFuture Propulsion

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.

The heart of a spacecraft lies in its engine, and that's why we, at The Exploration Company, are dedicated to developing our own cutting-edge Propulsion Systems ensuring the highest level of efficiency and reliability in our space endeavours.

We are seeking a motivated Functional Propulsion System Engineer Intern to join our high-thrust engine System Team. As an intern in propulsion, your mission will be to support the System Team in developing and optimizing the functional modelling for our high-thrust rocket engines, using rocket engines theory and real test data.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Contribute to developing, optimizing and maintaining steady-state and transient functional models

  • Support functional analysis activities, including subsystem interaction definition

  • Assist in the development and optimization of subsystem models, incorporating experimental data and development updates

  • Contribute to system-level activities and support priority tasks within the systems team

  • Support model validation and updates based on literature review and/or experimental data

  • Assist in the preparation of high-quality technical documentation

What we would love to see from you

  • Studying or freshly graduated in Aerospace Engineering, or a related and applicable technical discipline at master or higher level (or equivalent, e.g. Bachelor in AUS/NZ)

  • Good understanding of Liquid Rocket Engines working principles

  • Basic understanding of systems engineering and/or control systems principles

  • Familiarity with fluid dynamics and thermodynamics fundamentals

  • Experience with scripting or programming languages (e.g. Python, MATLAB)

  • Familiarity with modelling and simulation tools is a plus (e.g. EcosimPro)

  • Familiarity with aerospace standards (e.g. ECSS, NASA guidelines) is a plus, but not required

Skills and Behaviors

  • Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team

  • Good oral and written communication skills

  • Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills

  • Curiosity and ability to extract insights from incomplete or ambiguous information

  • Proactive attitude and ability to manage tasks within time constraints

  • Behaviour consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Mission, Vision, Integrity, Excellence and Teamwork

  • Enthusiasm for space exploration. Be ready to have an impact on the future global space industry

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.