Recovery Engineer
The Exploration Company
Location
Bordeaux, France
Employment Type
Full time
Department
EngineeringMission Operations and Flight Dynamics
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.
Join us as an offshore Recovery Engineer and lead the real-world operations that get our spacecraft out of the ocean. As part of the recovery team, you will develop the recovery operational concept and procedures, manage our offshore recovery assets, seek and obtain regulatory approvals, and own the planning, coordination, and execute recovery operations at sea.
*Applications at all seniority levels are considered.
Key Responsibilities:
Own the end-to-end operational success of Nyx recovery missions.
Develop and maintain offshore recovery CONOPS, balancing safety and technical needs with schedule and budget.
Plan, select, procure, and manage offshore assets: recovery vessel, fast boats, observation aircraft, and more.
Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams (engineering, operations, suppliers, vessel crews) to ensure readiness, clear interfaces, and smooth execution.
Secure all regulatory approvals required for maritime recovery operations.
Lead recovery operations, making real-time decisions in dynamic offshore conditions.
Build, install, and activate mechanical, fluid, and electrical recovery systems.
Write procedures and work orders that ensure safe, reliable, repeatable missions.
Provide technical leadership to engineers, technicians, and vessel crews during operations.
What we would love to see from you:
The ideal candidate will have:
Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
2+ years in offshore engineering or offshore operations.
2+ years building, modifying, or maintaining hardware.
Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects in fast-moving technical environments (schedule ownership, planning, coordination, risk tracking).
Bonus qualifications:
Design experience in mechanical, fluid or electrical systems.
Prior experience with offshore salvage activities.
Experience working with hazardous materials.
Testing experience, including setting test objectives, writing test plans, and hands-on testing.
Background in safety-critical or time-critical operations.
Experience working alongside technicians, welders, or machinists.
Additional requirements:
Must be willing to travel frequently and spend extended periods (up to four weeks) at sea on offshore vessels.
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.