High-thrust engine chief engineer (technical authority)

High‑Thrust Engine Chief Engineer
Join The Exploration Company , where 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.

Role Overview
We are seeking a High‑Thrust Engine Chief Engineer to lead the technical vision, architecture, and strategic direction of the Storm program, our next‑gen high‑thrust cryogenic rocket engine using LOX/LCH4. You will be the technical authority for the high‑thrust engine development program, ensuring technical coherence across all domains and aligning engineering execution with company goals and mission objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Define and communicate the technical vision and roadmap for the Storm propulsion system, ensuring alignment with company strategy, mission objectives, and long‑term scalability.

Own the Storm system architecture, ensuring optimal integration across propulsion, structures, avionics, and operations, and lead technical reviews.

Provide guidance and mentorship to the team, fostering a culture of technical rigor, innovation, and accountability.

Identify, assess, and manage technical risks at the system level; lead critical design and readiness reviews; approve all non‑conformance waivers or design deviations.

Represent the Storm program’s technical capabilities to business development, partner engagement, and customers; coordinate with the Storm Lead on milestones, test readiness, and risk assessments.

Drive continuous improvement in engineering tools, methodologies, and team capability; ensure Storm remains at the forefront of propulsion technology and capture lessons learned.

Qualifications

Minimum master’s degree in propulsion engineering, systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.

Over 15 years of experience in liquid rocket engine development, including at least one full‑scale or prototype program, and experience in production/industrialisation.

Deep understanding of cryogenic propulsion systems, including design, integration, and test.

Proven track record of defining and delivering complex aerospace systems from concept through flight.

Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams and arbitrate complex design trades.

Experience managing system‑level requirements, interfaces, and verification activities.

Experience in engine hot‑fire testing and anomaly resolution.

Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence across engineering, program, and executive teams.

Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to make sound technical decisions under uncertainty, schedule and cost pressure.

Experience working with geographically distributed teams and coordinating with external partners or suppliers.

Positive, adaptable, and collaborative mindset, capable of inspiring excellence across the organization.

Fluency in English.

Why Join Us

We’re Agile – we make decisions fast while 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 renew our energy knowing we are democratizing space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity; are you up for the challenge?

Employment Details
Seniority level: Executive

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Engineering and Information Technology

Industries: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

EEO Statement
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.

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