SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
The Exploration Company is building innovative aerospace technologies for space transportation, developing Nyx—a modular, reusable orbital vehicle for cargo and potentially human missions. We are seeking an experienced Propulsion Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Team Leader to lead the development, commissioning, and operation of engine test benches for cryogenic engines and storable thrusters.
This is a key leadership role requiring technical expertise in liquid-propellant propulsion systems, a strong track record managing complex engineering projects, and proven experience leading and mentoring technical teams. The GSE Team Leader drives the end-to-end lifecycle—from concept and fluid/structural design through fabrication, commissioning, and operation—of critical ground infrastructure supporting liquid propellant rocket engine test campaigns.
You will oversee the design, development, and construction of the propulsion test facility, with the primary objective of developing and maintaining robust, high-reliability test bench GSE that meets ambitious program cadences while ensuring absolute safety in hazardous operating environments.
Key responsibilities include: leading engineering development of new test facility GSE (high-pressure gas distribution, propellant feed systems, electrical networks, control and data acquisition systems, mechanical structures); translating test matrix requirements into hardware specifications, master P&IDs, and fluid system architectures; managing a cross-functional team of mechanical, fluid, and instrumentation engineers and technicians; directing resource allocation across multiple test benches and managing development schedules; overseeing structural fabrication, tube bending, welding, and mechanical assembly of GSE lines, panels, and thrust measurement structures; leading high-pressure proof testing, leak checks, and system commissioning/decommissioning; establishing protocols for handling hazardous fluids (cryogenic and storable propellants); enforcing compliance with oxygen compatibility, system passivation, and precision cleanliness; managing data acquisition and control systems engineers and technicians to integrate sensors and remote-actuated valves for automated test sequences and redline monitoring; authoring structural and fluid safety calculations, hazard analyses, and standard operating procedures; and maintaining rigorous configuration control of test pad setups.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent technical experience with proven track record in complex fluid systems engineering)
- Minimum 5 years of experience in rocket propulsion testing, launch pad operations, or high-pressure chemical processing plants
- At least 2 years of experience leading engineering or technical teams
- Advanced proficiency in developing and interpreting complex fluid schematics (P&IDs)
- Strong working knowledge of industrial fluid component selection (valves, regulators, check valves, etc.)
- Experience with 3D CAD modeling (NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks) for GSE packaging
- Experience with fluid simulation tools
- Knowledge of precision cleaning techniques for aerospace applications
- Decisive leadership under high-pressure testing schedules
- Exceptional risk-assessment capability
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Capacity to travel to test sites and partner facilities as required
- Fluency in English
