Cryogenic Systems Engineer [In-Orbit Refuelling]

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 Future Projects unit is dedicated to expanding and complementing these capabilities by conceptualising and pre-developing new technologies, products, and programs.

We are currently looking for a talented Cryogenic Systems Engineer to play a key role in the design and early validation of cryogenic fluid and propulsion-related system architectures enabling safe and efficient refuelling operations in orbit. As a Cryogenic Systems Engineer, you will contribute to the definition, analysis, and early validation of cryogenic fluid transfer and storage systems operating in microgravity. You will work closely with the System Engineer and cross-functional specialists (thermal, GNC, software, MAIT) to ensure feasibility, safety and performance of the cryogenic subsystem and its interfaces. You will contribute directly to Phase 0/A and Phase B1 activities, including architecture trade-offs, requirement flow-down and early breadboard or test planning.

You will be part of the Future Systems team, reporting to the Lead Cryogenic Refuelling, and working closely with other engineering disciplines.

Key responsibilities:

Architecture & Requirements

• Contribute to the development of concepts and preliminary architectures for cryogenic fluid transfer and storage systems operating in orbit.

• Support the definition of cryogenic fluid management and refueling system requirements and contribute to system requirement flow-down.

• Contribute to the specification and selection of valves, sensors, piping, insulation, pressurization hardware and coupling elements.

• Support the definition and documentation of operational sequences related to cryogenic fluid management

Analysis & Simulation

• Perform or support preliminary pressure drops, flowrate, and pressurization analyses.

• Contribute to the evaluation of system performance under microgravity conditions (e.g. thermal stratification, ullage behavior, and venting).

• Support transient modeling and thermodynamic behavior assessment of cryogenic fluids (e.g. liquid methane, liquid oxygen, or similar).

• Work in coordination with thermal and CFD engineers for coupled analyses and modeling activities.

Interfaces & Integration

• Contribute to the definition and maintenance of interface control documents (ICDs) for cryogenic fluid management and refueling subsystems.

• Support interface consistency with system-level constraints and coupling mechanisms.

• Provide technical inputs to prototyping, breadboarding and test planning at component and subsystem level.

Safety & Reviews

• Contribute to safety assessments related to pressurization, venting, and cryogenic fluid handling.

• Support trade-off studies on architecture options (e.g. active vs passive control, conditioning approaches, vent management).

• Contribute to the preparation and participation in technical reviews, commensurate with experience level.

What we would love to see from you:

• A master's degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or another related field.

• Experience in the space sector, including exposure to early development phases (Phase 0/A/B).

• A solid understanding of cryogenic fluid systems, propulsion-related architectures or fluid management systems.

• Experience with engineering analysis tools (e.g. EcosimPro, ANSYS, FLOW-3D, or equivalent), or with custom Python / Matlab scripts.

• Awareness of system safety principles, particularly for high-pressure and cryogenic systems.

• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, communicate clearly, and progressively take ownership of technical topics.

• Fluency in English.

Desirable

• Familiarity with space engineering standards (ECSS, NASA or equivalent).

• Experience with system engineering practices (requirements, interfaces, V&V).

• Knowledge of German, French and/or Italian.

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.