Principal Engineer - Test Systems Software, Bordeaux

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're looking for a hands‑on Principal Engineer to lead the technical direction of our Test Bench Control System software platform. You will combine deep software engineering expertise with architectural ownership and product‑level thinking to ensure our platform reliably supports integrated engine hot‑fire testing —with an architecture that can extend to broader test and ground operations as the program matures.

You will own the software platform that sits between test engineers and the real‑time control layer: enabling operators to author, review, and deploy test sequences and configurable safety parameters onto PLC hardware — while providing the live data visualization, command interfaces, and traceability infrastructure that test campaigns depend on.

Key Responsibilities

Define and evolve the platform architecture spanning test sequence authoring, PLC configuration deployment, real‑time data acquisition, and operator interfaces

Write production‑grade code across the full stack while owning the technical roadmap and driving major architectural decisions

Translate test requirements and operational needs into feature specifications, managing scope and delivering incrementally toward operational capability

Build high‑throughput data pipelines for real‑time ingestion, processing, and visualization of high‑rate sensor data

Design the full lifecycle for both operational sequences and configurable safety parameters

Define data acquisition standards including device configuration management and calibration traceability

Architect for high reliability, observability, and operational robustness in environments where software faults carry significant hardware and safety consequences

Collaborate with Test Bench Engineers, Propulsion, and Systems Engineering to align software capabilities with campaign requirements

Lead a multidisciplinary team of five— setting engineering standards, guiding code reviews and design reviews, and balancing development velocity with the rigorous quality bar required for safety‑critical infrastructure

What we would love to see from you

5+ years of professional software engineering experience with demonstrated architectural ownership and technical leadership

Strong backend expertise (e.g., Python, C#, or similar) with experience in real‑time or near‑real‑time data processing pipelines

Experience with modern frontend technologies (TypeScript, Vue/React, WebSockets) for operator interfaces and live data dashboards

Experience with containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes) for deploying and operating distributed service architectures

Deep understanding of distributed systems, API design, and inter‑process communication in low‑latency environments

Experience designing software systems that integrate with PLCs or similar real‑time controllers — understanding the boundaries between deterministic control and higher‑level application logic

Familiarity with test bench infrastructure— instrumentation systems, sensor networks, command/response workflows, and procedural automation

Strong grasp of safety‑critical software design: deterministic execution, fail‑safe defaults, configuration validation, and safe deployment practices in systems where errors carry hardware consequences

Product ownership mindset with strong analytical thinking, technical judgment, and attention to detail

Motivation to thrive in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment with high accountability for system readiness

Bonus qualifications

Experience in aerospace, defense, or other safety‑critical domains — particularly propulsion test operations or environmental test systems

Familiarity with Beckhoff TwinCAT or IEC 61131‑3 programming

Knowledge of data acquisition hardware and software ecosystems (e.g., Beckhoff, Siemens, Measurement Computing)

Experience with hardware interface protocols and device communication (e.g., serial, CAN, Ethernet‑based industrial protocols)

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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr