High-Thrust Engine Chief Engineer (Technical Authority)

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 are seeking a High-Thrust Engine Chief Engineer to lead the technical vision, architecture, and strategic direction of the Storm program, our next-gen high-thrust cryogenic rocket engine using LOX/LCH4. You will be the technical authority for the high-thrust engine development program. This role is responsible for ensuring technical coherence across all domains and aligning engineering execution with company goals and mission objectives. The Storm Chief Engineer serves as the senior technical authority for the program, guiding engineering leadership, setting design and performance standards, and ensuring system-level integrity and mission success. You'll own the technical integrity, performance, and safety of the engine throughout its lifecycle, from architecture definition to prototype testing. The Storm Chief Engineer will work closely with the Storm Lead and the Head of Propulsion (reports to), ensuring that engineering excellence and delivery efficiency remain balanced. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: - Technical Leadership and Vision Define and communicate the technical vision and roadmap for the Storm propulsion system in collaboration with the High Thrust Engine Lead, ensuring alignment with company strategy, mission objectives, and long-term scalability. - System Architecture Ownership Serve as the primary owner of the Storm system architecture, ensuring optimal integration across propulsion, structures, avionics, and operations. Lead technical reviews. Arbitrate complex system trade-off - Mentorship and Technical Oversight Provide guidance and mentorship to the team, fostering a culture of technical rigor, innovation, and accountability. - Risk Management & Safety Identify, assess, and manage technical risks at the system level with the support of the team and their principals. Lead critical design and readiness reviews, ensuring robust decision-making and risk mitigation strategies. Approve all non-conformance waivers or design deviations. - Collaboration Support business development, partner engagement, and customer interactions by representing the technical capabilities and vision of the Storm program. Coordinate with the Storm Lead on technical milestones, test readiness, and risk assessments. Work closely with program management and other engineering domains to balance performance, cost, and schedule, while maintaining technical integrity. - Continuous Improvement Drive continuous improvement in engineering tools, methodologies, and team capability to ensure Storm remains at the forefront of propulsion technology. Drive maturation of critical technologies. Ensure lessons learnt are captured. WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU: - A minimum of a master’s degree in propulsion engineering, systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field. - Over 15 years of experience in liquid rocket engine development, including at least one full-scale or prototype program, with experience in production/industrialisation - Deep understanding of cryogenic propulsion systems, including design, integration, and test. - Proven track record of defining and delivering complex aerospace systems from concept through flight. - Experience collaborating with European space agencies. - Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary technical teams and arbitrate complex design trades. - Demonstrated experience managing system-level requirements, interfaces, and verification activities. - Experience in engine hot-fire testing and anomaly resolution. - Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence across engineering, program, and executive teams. - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound technical decisions under uncertainty, schedule and cos