The Exploration Company

[Nyx Earth] Propulsion CFD Engineer

Bordeaux, FranceFull time€50,000 - €70,000 / yearPosted 19 days ago
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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.

As a talented Propulsion CFD Engineer, you will be responsible for the computational fluid dynamics analysis of propulsion system components and thruster plumes, providing the flow physics insight that underpins component design, thruster performance, and vehicle-level integration decisions.

ROLE OVERVIEW

CFD Analysis & Component Simulation

- Perform CFD simulations of propulsion components — valves, regulators, orifices, injectors, feed lines — to characterize internal flow, pressure drop, and flow-induced loads.

- Support design trade studies by predicting component-level performance across the operating envelope, in both steady-state and transient conditions.

- Identify and help resolve flow anomalies such as cavitation, choking, or flow separation that affect component performance.

Plume Characterization & Thruster Performance

- Model thruster plume characterization, from near-field continuum expansion through far-field rarefied flow, including relevant gas dynamics effects.

- Assess plume-induced thermal, contamination, and force/torque effects on adjacent subsystems and vehicle surfaces.

- Support thruster and nozzle design by predicting performance parameters such as thrust coefficient and specific impulse from CFD.

Cross-Functional Design Collaboration

- Work closely with propulsion design engineers and structural and thermal analysts to translate CFD results into actionable design inputs and margins.

- Communicate CFD findings and their implications clearly to multidisciplinary teams and program stakeholders.

- Support system-level trades on component sizing, thruster placement, and plume shielding for vehicle interfaces.

Model Validation, Tools & Documentation

- Validate and cor...