Feed System Functional Engineer

You will own the functional architecture and performance of the propellant feed system for a storable bipropellant propulsion system (MON3-MMH system). You will be responsible for ensuring the feed system delivers propellants to the thrusters within required specifications across the full mission envelope - from ground fill through operation, and recovery., * Define and maintain the functional architecture of the feed system including propellant tanks, lines, valves, filters, thrusters and instrumentation;

• Perform system-level sizing, sensitivity analyses and functional simulations

System Development

• Define functional requirements for subsystems based on propellant system analyses;
• Identify key verification and validation steps required at the system and subsystem level to demonstrate compliance with specification.

Modeling & Analysis

• Develop and maintain fluid system models (steady-state and transient) to predict pressure drop, flow rates, water hammer, thruster cross-coupling, and priming behavior;
• Verify compliance between system nominal and off-nominal operation with subsystem operational domains (such as thruster envelope);
• Analyze failure modes (leakage, contamination, cavitation, fluid hammer) and define mitigation strategies and design margins.

Verification & Test

• Lead functional and performance verification: cold-flow, functional and hot-fire tests from component to assembly level;
• Correlate test data against predictive models and update margins/requirements accordingly.

Integration Support

• Support integration, qualification, and operations reviews (design reviews, FMEA, test readiness reviews);
• Interface across design, test, and operations functions throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

• Master’s and/or PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field;
• Proven experience with python and 0D - 1D fluid simulation tools (model development and analyses) - (e.g., EcosimPro or equivalent);
• Hands-on experience in propulsion system design for launch vehicles, spacecraft, or space capsules, with direct exposure to liquid propulsion architectures;
• Proven experience in version control systems and tools (e.g., Git or SVN);
• Deep understanding of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and compressible flow;
• Experience with storable propulsion system is a plus;
• Fluency in English;
• German or French are an asset., * A hands-on approach to problem-solving, combined with a collaborative mindset to work across multidisciplinary teams;
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask;
• Capability of working autonomously whilst collaborating productively with remote teams;
• Positive and flexible attitude in a constantly evolving environment;
• Grit to get the job done;
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences;
• Behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Commitment, Innovation, Trust, Quality, and Teamwork.