Chief Engineer – High-Thrust Engine
The Exploration Company
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Bordeaux • 🇫🇷 France
Visit company websiteJob Level
Lead
About the role
- Lead the technical vision, architecture, and strategic direction of the Storm program
- Own the technical integrity, performance, and safety of the engine throughout its lifecycle
- Define and communicate the technical vision and roadmap for the Storm propulsion system
- Serve as the primary owner of the Storm system architecture
- Provide guidance and mentorship to the team
- Identify, assess, and manage technical risks at the system level
- Support business development, partner engagement, and customer interactions
- Drive continuous improvement in engineering tools, methodologies, and team capability
Requirements
- A minimum of a 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, with 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 multi-disciplinary technical teams and arbitrate complex design trades.
- Demonstrated 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.
- Proven ability to work 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.
Benefits
- 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.
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard skills
propulsion engineeringsystems engineeringaerospace engineeringliquid rocket engine developmentcryogenic propulsion systemsengine hot-fire testinganomaly resolutionsystem-level requirements managementdesign integrationverification activities
Soft skills
leadershipcommunicationanalytical skillsproblem-solvingcollaborationmentorshipinfluenceadaptabilityteam coordinationinspiring excellence
Certifications
master's degree