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Mechanisms Deputy Lead

The Exploration Company

The Exploration Company

Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy
Posted on Dec 2, 2025

Location

Turin, Italy

Employment Type

Full time

Department

EngineeringMechanisms

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.

Operational Leadership & Team Management

  • Maintain and structure the team’s day-to-day work: task breakdown, priorities, sequencing, and clear ownership. Mange Sprints and Epic organization and coordinate with Nyx Program schedulers.

  • Maintain a (real-time) overview of all tasks required to reach EM-level maturity (TRL6) as fast as possible.

  • Push task execution: remove blockers, follow up with engineers, drive decisions forward, and ensure momentum.

  • Support the Team Lead by transforming high-level technical direction into actionable work packages for the team.

  • Ensure completeness and alignment of all tasks with the Chief Engineering Office. Mange Monday Tasks and coordinate external team task requests.

  • Manage the EAC process and assure team works with in the allocated budget and schedule constraints. Identify needs and obtain approvals for purchases and resources.

  • Manage major sub-contractors and provide interface for technical team input and coordination.

  • Manage the team risk register and coordinate with Program level risks.

  • Ensuring hyper clarity of roles & responsibilities with extreme ownership for each team member.

  • Ensure alignment between the mechanisms agreed development plans and the schedule and cost constraints of the program.

  • Help the team prioritize the activities that are mandatory while cutting corners on less critical tasks that might be delayed or simplified in order to keep up with the schedule milestones while derisking properly the program.

Cross-Functional & Interface Coordination

  • Work with team technical leaders to identify required inputs from sister teams (Structures, Thermal, Avionics, AIT, etc.) and request them proactively.

  • Track all requested outputs to other teams; ensure timely delivery, correct format, and required level of detail.

  • Drive preparation for internal reviews (design key-points, PDR, CDR) including schedule, content completeness, and risk closure.

Mechanisms Development & Execution

  • Structure make-or-buy analyses for mechanisms components and assemblies; prepare the technical and programmatic comparison bases.

  • Lead supplier engagement on organizational aspects: RFQs, planning, interface tracking, meeting preparation, and progress monitoring.

  • Support the Team Lead by preparing well-structured major decision trade-off packages for fast, informed choices.

  • Ensure the team rapidly progresses from concept to EM hardware through disciplined tracking of design, procurement, manufacturing, and testing steps.

  • Coordinate with AIT organization in the build up and execution of activities in Torino development, manufacturing and test lab.

Team operations

  • Maintain and own the team’s risk register (watch list); ensure mitigations are executed and reviewed regularly.

  • Support hiring: define profile needs, screen candidates, and participate in interviews. Coordinate position descriptions, use cases and staffing needs with HR team.

Qualifications

  • Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent).

  • Experience in mechanisms for space systems (deployables, actuators, hinges, release mechanisms, or similar high-reliability hardware).

  • Proven background in fast-paced hardware development with awareness of EM, QM, FM lifecycle.

  • Strong organization, planning, and follow-up discipline.

  • Experience with cross-functional coordination and supplier interface management.

  • Familiarity with space project phases and reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, DRB) is a strong plus.

Personal Attributes

  • Highly structured, proactive, and comfortable driving others toward deadlines.

  • Thrives in dynamic environments where speed and discipline matter.

  • Clear communicator who brings order, visibility, and accountability to a team.

  • Strong ownership mindset and ability to turn technical guidance into actionable execution.

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.