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The Exploration Company is developing Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle designed for cargo transport and eventual human missions. As a Valve / Component Test Engineer, you will be responsible for planning and executing comprehensive test campaigns that qualify and validate solenoid isolation valves for the storable propulsion system.
Your primary responsibilities include developing detailed test plans and procedures for solenoid valve qualification, acceptance, and life-cycle testing—covering functional response, leak detection, proof/burst testing, cycle life, and propellant compatibility. You will define test success criteria aligned with valve functional and performance requirements, and support verification and validation planning in coordination with system and design engineers.
You will execute functional, performance, and environmental test campaigns on solenoid valves, including cold flow, vacuum, thermal, vibration, and EMI testing where applicable. This involves setting up and operating test benches, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems to characterize valve response time, leak rate, and flow performance. You will reduce and analyze test data, comparing results against predictions and requirements.
Anomaly investigation is a key aspect of this role. You will investigate test anomalies such as leakage exceedances and actuation failures, leading root cause analysis efforts. You will support the disposition of non-conformances and coordinate corrective actions with design and manufacturing teams, while maintaining comprehensive documentation for certification and configuration traceability.
You will also design and maintain test fixtures, ground support equipment, and facility setups for valve testing, including propellant-compatible test benches. Safety is paramount—you will ensure safe handling procedures for test operations involving storable and hypergolic propellant simulants. You will continuously improve test infrastructure, automation, and data processing tools.
The role is based in Bordeaux with occasional travel to Munich. You should have a B.S. in mechanical or aerospace engineering with 3+ years of hands-on test engineering experience with valves or fluid components. Experience with functional, leak, and life-cycle testing of solenoid valves is essential. Familiarity with storable/hypergolic propellant test safety practices, DAQ systems, instrumentation (pressure, flow, position sensors), root-cause investigation, and applicable test standards (NASA, ECSS) is highly valued. You should be a hands-on problem-solver with strong organizational skills, capable of working autonomously while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
