TPS Implementation Engineer

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.

We want you as a talented TPS implementation engineer to help us in our mission by supporting thermal protection (TP) materials development as well as by supporting the setting up and regular enhancement of our Thermal Protection System industrial tool.

Your mission will focus on Material & process development and implementation, particularly bonding, assembly, and interface qualification.

You will act at the crossroads of material engineering, manufacturing processes, and system integration.

Your core responsibilities will include:

Process Development & Implementation

• Develop, implement and optimize manufacturing and assembly processes related to TPS (e.g., bonding, sealing, joining, curing, and surface preparation).

• Define and qualify joints, adhesives, and interface materials ensuring structural integrity and thermal performance.

• Establish process parameters, operating procedures and inspection criteria in coordination with manufacturing and quality teams.

• Support the definition and validation of production equipment and tooling needed for TPS manufacturing and integration.

• Prepare test samples for material characterization.

Process Qualification & Industrialization

• Lead the qualification of special processes according to aerospace standards and company requirements.

• Support project milestones (FAI,MRR..)

• Contribute to non-conformity management, root cause analysis, and process improvement initiatives.

Integration & Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with AIT (Assembly, Integration & Test) teams to ensure smooth implementation of TPS processes on flight hardware.

• Support Product Assurance and Procurement teams to manage suppliers and subcontractors involved in TPS process chain.

• Provide technical documentation and participate in program reviews (CDR, QR, FAI, LRIP, FRP).

Continuous Improvement & Knowledge Management

• Contribute to the continuous enhancement of the TPS industrial tool: process efficiency, environmental impact reduction, cost control.

• Maintain documentation of process parameters, trials, and lessons learned for reuse in future projects.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials & Processes Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.

• Experience in composite material manufacturing, adhesive bonding, or related fields would be highly appreciated.

• 3–5 years of experience in industrial process development, qualification, or production support, preferably in aerospace or high-performance materials.

• Understanding of spacecraft system constraints and thermal protection system integration.

• Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills.

• Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (System Engineering, AIT, Product Assurance, Procurement, Manufacturing).

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.