Automation/Electrical Engineer — HiL Test Platform Development

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.

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Automation/Electrical Engineer to join our HiL/EGSE Engineering Team in Munich. You will contribute to the design, development, and integration of complex Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) platforms, supporting the verification and validation of avionics and electrical subsystems.

These platforms are composed of hundreds of electrical and electronic components (both COTS and custom-made) and must meet CE marking and Machinery Directive compliance. Your work will have a direct impact on the performance, reliability, and safety of critical aerospace systems.

Key Responsibilities

In your role as an Automation/Electrical Engineer for HiL Platform Development, you will be responsible for the following:

• Lead the compliant design of electrical schematics for both power and signal circuits
• Define and implement safety devices, protection mechanisms, and power management solutions
• Be responsible for the overall electrical design of the HiL test laboratory
• Develop and support electrical setups for component and subsystem testing — ranging from simple rigs to highly integrated systems
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, CE marking, and applicable electrical safety regulations
• Collaborate with a highly skilled cross-functional team (software, simulation, mechanical, avionics) throughout the development lifecycle
• Participate in technical reviews, support documentation efforts, and ensure traceability of requirements
• Occasionally travel abroad to support customers, suppliers, or company affiliates

You and your team will be in charge of:

• Defining the architecture of HiL electrical systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability
• Selecting, specifying, and integrating electrical components and interfaces for the test platforms
• Performing make-or-buy analysis, managing suppliers and coordinating with procurement
• Supporting the integration of real-time simulation environments and electrical interfaces (e.g., power supplies, loads, relays, sensors, signal conditioning)
• Contributing to risk assessments and FMEAs related to electrical design
• Driving continuous improvement to increase the safety, efficiency, and modularity of test platforms

What we would love to see from you

Ideally, you bring the following experience and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Electronic, or Automation Engineering
• Strong understanding of electrical system design, circuit protection, and signal integrity
• Solid knowledge of industry standards and regulations (e.g., IEC/EN standards, Machinery Directive, CE marking)
• Experience using electrical CAD tools (e.g., EPLAN, Zuken, or equivalent) for schematic design and documentation
• Knowledge of electronic circuit design (analog and digital) is a plus
• Experience working in aerospace, automotive, or industrial automation is highly desirable
• Familiarity with HiL testing, test bench architecture, or EGSE systems is a plus
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a pragmatic, cost-conscious design mindset
• Fluent in English (spoken and written); German is a plus

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 opportuni