Composite CAD Design Engineer

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building spacecrafts for humanity.

Here at the 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 which carries cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

We want you as a talented Composite CAD design engineer to help us in our mission by designing and developing our composite structures for our spacecraft.

MISSION

As a Composite Design Engineer, you will:

- Drive the design, modelling, and integration of composite parts and assemblies, ensuring optimal performance, manufacturability, and compliance with mission requirements.

- Be a key contributor to the definition and maturation of the vehicle’s composite architecture, from concept to detailed design and industrialization.

- Support to the definition and maturation of the vehicle's metallic parts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Composite CAD Modelling: Build and mature CAD models of composite structures and sub-systems using Siemens NX (Fibersim experience highly valued), including layup definition, ply book creation, and integration with metallic and non-metallic parts.

- Metallic CAD modelling: To support the design, modelling, and integration of metallic parts and assemblies, ensuring their compatibility and integration with the overall vehicle architecture.

- Design for Manufacturing: Collaborate with manufacturing and process engineers to ensure designs are producible, cost-effective, and meet quality standards. Propose layup sequences, manufacturing processes, and tolerances.

- Material & Process Selection: Collaborate with the mechanical engineers to select appropriate composite materials (e.g., CFRP, sandwich panels) and processes, considering mission environments, thermal and mechanical loads, and supplier capabilities.

- Analysis Integration: Work closely with structural and thermal analysts to iterate designs based on FEA results, trade-offs, and test feedback.

- Documentation & Reviews: Prepare and release technical drawings, ply books, and design documentation. Participate in design reviews and support the qualification of composite parts.

- Configuration & Mass Management: Ensure configuration control of composite models and contribute to the vehicle mass budget tracking.

- Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the development and improvement of composite design tools, databases, and best practices.

- Cross-functional Collaboration: Engage in co-engineering sessions with mission analysis, propulsion, avionics, GNC, and system teams to ensure robust, integrated solutions.

WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU

QUALIFICATIONS:

- Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering,

- Minimum 3 years’ experience in composite design for aerospace or high-performance applications.

- Experience in the design and development of metallic parts for aerospace or high-performance applications, including knowledge of relevant materials, manufacturing processes.

- Proficiency with Siemens NX (Fibersim or similar composite design modules preferred). Strong knowledge of aerospace vehicle design and associated challenges,

- Knowledge of composite materials, laminate theory, failure criteria, and manufacturing processes (e.g., RTM, pre-preg, sandwich construction).

- Experience with the design and verification of composite structures, including ply book creation and documentation.

- Fluent in English. German, French or Italian are an asset.

SKILLS AND BEHAVIORS:

- Strong oral and written communication skills,

- Strong analysis and problem-solving skills,

- Strong organising and prioritisation of tasks,

- Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done,

- Demonstrates behaviours consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Vision, Mission, Teamwork, Integrity and Excellence.

Why you should join us!

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