️ Space Debris Engineer bei The Exploration Company

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.

The Space Debris Engineer plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and sustainability of space activities, contributing to the responsible management of Earth’s orbital environment. The Space Debris Engineer will contribute to space mission safety by developing, analyzing, and implementing advanced strategies and technologies to achieve compliance with relevant regulations such as ESA's Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines and Requirements. This position involves working with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the long-term sustainability of space operations and adherence to international guidelines.

🎯 Key Responsibilities

• Assess and analyze space debris risks for future missions and systems using advanced modeling, simulations, and data analysis.

• Design and implement debris mitigation measures, including shielding strategies, collision avoidance, passivation, and end-of-life management.

• Own the Space Debris Mitigation requirements, perform compliance verification and support mission design reviews to ensure adherence to the relevant regulations and standards.

• Work with multidisciplinary teams to integrate debris mitigation considerations into all aspects of mission planning and spacecraft design. Ensure that all subsystems meet debris mitigation requirements and that operational plans (such as collision avoidance maneuver planning) are in place and well-coordinated.

• Serve as the in-house expert on orbital debris and space sustainability. Prepare clear technical documentation, analyses, and reports on debris risk and mitigation for both internal stakeholders and external regulatory bodies.

What we would love to see from you

In the role of Space Debris Engineer ideally, you will have the following:

• Education: Master’s or PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Space Science, or a related field.

• Technical skills: Knowledge of orbital mechanics, spacecraft design, space environment modeling, space situational awareness (SSA), re-entry safety and risk analysis.

• Experience: Proven experience with debris environment models (e.g., MASTER, ORDEM, MEM) and analysis tools (e.g., DRAMA, STK).

• Policy: Familiarity with international debris mitigation guidelines (e.g., ESA, NASA, IADC, ISO 24113), and demonstrated experience in compliance documentation

• Programming Skills: Proficiency in programming and data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C++).

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

• Feedback: Willingness to give proactive and mindful feedback across all company levels.

• Mindset: Passion for advancing sustainability in the space industry and highly motivated to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up environment.

• Languages: Fluent in English.

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:  

• We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind 

• We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them  

• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?  

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly. 
 
The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.