Nyx Crew Propulsion Engine Principal Verified today

About Nyx

The Exploration Company is developing Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can be refuelled in orbit and carry cargo, with human spaceflight capability planned for the future.

The Role

You will lead the development of next-generation high-thrust hypergolic propulsion systems for crewed spaceflight. This is a central technical leadership position where you will drive engine development from early concept and architecture definition through qualification and flight readiness, ensuring safe, reliable, and high-performance hardware.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Lead end-to-end development of high-thrust hypergolic rocket engines from concept through flight readiness
• Lead preparation and execution of major program reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR), supporting certification and customer reviews
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, human-rating requirements, and quality processes throughout product lifecycle

Engine Architecture

• Establish engine architecture and drive key design decisions
• Conduct trade studies, simulation, and analytical assessments to optimize performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost
• Own propulsion technical requirements and contribute to long-term propulsion technology strategy and innovation roadmaps

Program Execution

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee engine development activities to achieve technical, schedule, and budget objectives
• Lead development and qualification, including verification, validation, certification, and flight-readiness activities
• Identify and mitigate technical risks, resolve anomalies, and deliver qualified flight hardware aligned with program milestones

Team Leadership and Capability Development

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary propulsion team
• Provide technical mentorship to engineers and technicians
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Stakeholder, Supplier and Cross-Functional Management

• Lead technical interactions with suppliers, development partners, and external stakeholders, including component selection, procurement, oversight, and acceptance
• Collaborate closely with systems engineering, avionics, MAIT, and program teams to ensure successful propulsion system integration
• Communicate technical status, risks, and recommendations while ensuring alignment between propulsion activities and broader vehicle development objectives

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical Design, Engineering, Engineering Technology, or similar related discipline
• 10 or more years of relevant engineering experience (advanced degrees considered in lieu of equivalent experience)
• Demonstrated experience designing, analyzing, integrating, and testing engines for space vehicles
• Demonstrated experience developing human-rated systems
• Working knowledge of throttleable high-thrust hypergolic engines
• Knowledge of environmental testing such as vibration, shock, acoustic, and/or vacuum
• Experience working with external customers including commercial companies and government agencies (NASA, AFRL, DARPA) and component suppliers

Location and Legal Requirements

Houston, TX. Due to federal regulations (ITAR/EAR), applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (current Green Card holders).

Background check required as a condition of employment.