At The Exploration Company, we are developing next-generation space transportation systems, including a lunar lander capable of precision landing and reusable operations. We are establishing a dedicated remote test site in the United Arab Emirates for hot-fire propulsion testing and hopper flight demonstrations, and seeking a Lunar Lander Test Bench Development Senior Engineer to lead this facility from concept to operations.
About the Role – Building a Remote Propulsion Test Site in the UAE
Core Focus: Design, development, and deployment of a remote lunar lander test facility
Technical Scope: Propulsion test infrastructure, cryogenic fluid systems, and civil infrastructure coordination
Propellant Systems: Liquid Oxygen, Liquid Methane, Helium, and Nitrogen
Safety Focus: FMEA, HAZOP, risk assessments, and safety-critical control architectures
Travel Requirement: Periodic travel to the UAE during site development, commissioning, and operations
Career Growth & Space Industry Impact
Strategic Location: UAE – hosting a new dedicated remote test site for lunar lander propulsion testing
End-to-End Ownership: Lead the complete facility lifecycle from concept through operations readiness
Agile Culture: Fast decision-making, open collaboration, and a genuinely fun working environment
Career Growth: Relocation assistance and visa sponsorship available for the right candidate
Position Overview
This Lunar Lander Test Bench Development Senior Engineer role leads the design, development, and deployment of a new remote test facility from concept to operations. You will define system-level requirements for the test site, develop P&IDs and design cryogenic and high-pressure fluid systems, coordinate civil infrastructure and facility layout, implement automation architectures and safety-critical systems, perform hazard analyses and develop test procedures, and lead end-to-end project execution including procurement, manufacturing, commissioning, and on-site deployment in the UAE.
Why This Role Matters: As Lunar Lander Test Bench Development Senior Engineer, you own the creation of a remote test facility from a blank page through hot-fire testing and hopper flight demonstrations, apply deep cryogenic fluid systems expertise across Liquid Oxygen, Liquid Methane, Helium, and Nitrogen propellant systems, lead multidisciplinary project execution spanning design, procurement, civil infrastructure, and commissioning, develop safety-critical automation and control architectures that protect personnel and hardware during real propulsion tests, and directly contribute to a company actively democratizing access to space, with relocation assistance and visa sponsorship available.
Key Responsibilities
Test Site Development
- Define and synthesize system-level requirements for a remote lunar lander test site
- Lead the design and implementation of the complete facility, including ground infrastructure and utilities
- Specify and implement propellant and pressurization systems (LOX, LCH4, Helium, Nitrogen)
- Design infrastructure enabling autonomous operation of a remote site
Fluid & Cryogenic Systems Engineering
- Develop P&IDs for propulsion test facilities and ground support equipment
- Design, size, and select components for cryogenic and high-pressure fluid systems
- Ensure safe handling, storage, and distribution of cryogenic propellants and pressurants
Infrastructure & Civil Engineering Coordination
- Define facility layout, foundations, structural interfaces, and site infrastructure requirements
- Coordinate with civil engineering partners to implement test stands, safety perimeters, and support buildings
Safety, Automation & Operations
- Define and implement automation architectures for test operations and facility control
- Develop and validate safety-critical systems protecting personnel, hardware, and the environment
- Perform hazard analyses (FMEA, HAZOP, risk assessments) and implement mitigation measures
- Develop test procedures, operational concepts, and commissioning plans
Project Leadership
- Lead end-to-end development including design, procurement, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning
- Manage technical interfaces with internal teams, customers, and external suppliers
- Perform trade-off analyses to optimize performance, safety, cost, and schedule
- Support on-site deployment, integration, and test campaigns in the UAE
Qualifications & Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Systems, or a related field
Experience Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in propulsion test facilities or hot-fire test bench development
- Experience designing or operating ground support equipment for rocket propulsion systems
- Demonstrated project management capability across multidisciplinary engineering activities
Technical Skills
- Strong expertise in fluid systems engineering, including cryogenic propellants
- Knowledge of automation systems and safety-critical control architectures
- Experience coordinating infrastructure or facility development in industrial or remote environments
Essential Skills
- Hands-on engineering mindset with strong problem-solving ability
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work across international teams
- Willingness to travel to and work periodically in the United Arab Emirates
About The Exploration Company
The Exploration Company is building innovative aerospace technologies that advance the future of space transportation. The company is Agile, making decisions fast while keeping goals and systems in mind, Open and Collaborative, transparent about risks and obstacles, and genuinely fun, refueling energy through the shared mission of democratizing space. The Exploration Company provides relocation assistance and visa sponsorship where applicable.
Career Excellence: Lead the creation of a next-generation propulsion test facility for a company actively democratizing space, with UAE-based operations.
Who Should Apply?
- Propulsion Test Engineers: With 5+ years developing hot-fire test benches or facilities
- Cryogenic Systems Engineers: Skilled with LOX, LCH4, and high-pressure fluid systems
- Ground Support Equipment Specialists: Experienced with rocket propulsion GSE design
- Safety-Critical Systems Engineers: Comfortable performing FMEA, HAZOP, and risk assessments
- Multidisciplinary Project Leaders: Ready to own a facility from concept through operations in a remote environment
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