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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 correlate CFD models against test data — cold-flow testing, hot-fire testing, plume diagnostics — to build and maintain model confidence. - Maintain and improve CFD simulation workflows, meshing practices, and tools to improve turnaround time and consistency across the design office. - Produce clear technical reports and analysis documentation supporting design reviews and certification. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES LOCATION You will perform your duties principally at the Company's premises in Bordeaux and may be required to travel from time to time to our company’s premises in Munich in the course of your duties. WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU - M.S. or Ph.D. in aerospace or a related field, with 3+ years of hands-on CFD experience relevant to propulsion or fluid dynamics. - Proficiency with CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, or equivalent. - Experience modeling compressible, multiphase, and/or rarefied gas flows relevant to propulsion valves and thruster plumes. - Familiarity with plume characterization methods such as DSMC or continuum-rarefied coupling is a strong plus. - Strong grounding in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and gas dynamics fundamentals. - Experience correlating CFD predictions against test data. - Familiarity with scripting or automation (Python, MATLAB) for meshing, post-processing, or workflow automation. - Fluent in English. German and French are an asset Skills and Behaviors: - A hands-on approach to problem-solving, combined with a collaborative mindset to work across multidisciplinary teams - Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask - Capability of working autonomously whilst collaborating productively with remote teams - Positive and flexible attitude in a constantly evolving environment - Grit to get the job done - Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences - Behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values o