Principal Mechanical Engineer

Job summary

Here at The***, 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.

Qualifications

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• More than 10 years experience in spacecraft, launch vehicle, aerospace, defence, or other high-performance engineering environments.
• Strong background in structure design, structural analysis, justification, qualification, and verification.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams and developing technical talent.
• Demonstrated experience supporting complex structural test campaigns, from preparation and prediction through execution and data interpretation.
• Experience with qualification, certification, and engineering review processes.
• Profound knowledge of space industry standards and methodologies.
• Fluent in English.
• German, French, or Italian are an asset.

Responsibilities

• As a Principal you will manage a team of Mechanical Engineers, drive structural design and verification activities, and ensure technical excellence across structural analysis, testing, qualification, and verification.
• You will coordinate your work with the Principal CAD Engineer and with the Vehicle Mechanical Architect, under the guidance of the Mechanical Design Lead.
• You will play a key role in enabling the successful development of one of Europe's most ambitious space vehicles.
• Lead the Mechanical Engineering team, defining priorities, supporting growth, and ensuring engineering excellence and delivery.
• Own structural justification activities across the spacecraft, ensuring consistency of assumptions, margins, analyses, and engineering evidence.
• Ensure verification evidence generated through testing and analysis is robust, review-ready, and suitable for qualification and certification activities towards space agencies.
• Drive technical reviews, risk identification, and engineering maturity assessments to ensure readiness for major programme milestones.
• Act as a hands-on technical leader, actively contributing to engineering decisions, test campaigns, anomaly investigations, and troubleshooting efforts.
• WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU

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