Deputy Chief Engineer

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building innovative aerospace technologies that advance the future of space transportation.

We are seeking a Storm Deputy Chief Engineer to lead the design, integration, and test of the engine system and turbo machinery for our next-gen high-thrust cryogenic rocket engine (LOX/LCH4). He/she will report to the Storm Chief Engineer and act as their technical deputy, owning engine-level system design and the turbo machinery domain (turbopumps, rotor dynamics, bearings and seals, and their integration with the preburner/gas generator) end to end, from architecture through hot-fire testing.

This role is responsible for the technical soundness of the engine system and turbo machinery subsystems, translating the Chief Engineer's overall architecture and vision into detailed design, integration, and validated hardware - while standing in for the Chief Engineer on day-to-day technical arbitration when needed.

The Deputy Chief Engineer owns the technical integrity, performance, and safety of the engine system and turbo machinery throughout their lifecycle - from architecture definition to prototype testing - and works closely with the Storm Chief Engineer and High Thrust Engine Lead to keep engineering excellence and delivery efficiency in balance.

Reports to:

Storm Chief Engineer

• Engine System Design:
  Own the detailed design and integration of the engine system, including cycle definition, propellant supply, ignition, and interfaces between turbo machinery, combustion devices, and structures. Ensure design coherence with the overall Storm architecture set by the Chief Engineer.

• Turbo machinery Ownership:
  Serve as the primary technical owner of turbopump design - rotor dynamics, bearings, seals, hydraulic and thermal design, and manufacturability - and of its integration with the preburner/gas generator. Lead technical reviews and arbitrate turbo machinery-specific trade-offs.

• Test & Validation:
  Lead engine system and turbo machinery test campaigns, from component-level rig testing through engine hot-fire. Own test planning, instrumentation strategy, data review, and anomaly resolution.

• Mentorship and Technical Oversight:
  Provide guidance and mentorship to the engine systems and turbo machinery teams, fostering a culture of technical rigor, innovation, and accountability.

• Risk Management & Safety:
  Identify, assess, and manage technical risks within the engine system and turbo machinery domains. Support critical design and readiness reviews led by the Chief Engineer, and prepare non-conformance/design deviation packages for approval.

• Collaboration:
  
  Deputize for the Storm Chief Engineer on technical matters as required, including partner and supplier interactions on turbo machinery and engine systems. Coordinate closely with program management and other engineering domains to balance performance, cost, and schedule.

• Continuous Improvement:
  Drive continuous improvement in engine system and turbo machinery design tools, test methods, and team capability. Ensure lessons learned from testing are captured and fed back into design.

• A minimum of a master's degree in propulsion engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.

• Over 10 years of experience in liquid rocket engine development, with significant depth in engine system design and/or turbo machinery.

• Deep understanding of cryogenic propulsion systems, including turbopump design, rotor dynamics, and hot-gas systems.

• Proven track record of taking turbo machinery or engine systems from concept through detailed design and test.

• Hands-on experience in engine or turbopump hot-fire/rig testing and anomaly resolution.

• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary technical teams and arbitrate design trades within the engine system domain.

• Experience managing subsystem-level requirements, interfaces, and verification activities.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound technical decisions under uncertainty, schedule, and cost pressure.

• Ability to work with geographically distributed teams and coordinate with external partners or suppliers.

• Fluent in English, with excellent written and verbal communication.

• Positive, adaptable, and collaborative mindset.

• Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States:
  Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,…