Principal NDT Engineer

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. To support our growth, we are looking for an experienced Senior NDT Level 3 to join our team in Munich. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in both our current production activities and the development of our future NDT capabilities. We are especially looking for a candidate with strong expertise in Radiographic Testing (RT) and Ultrasonic Testing (UT), with Penetrant Testing (PT) also being an important method for the role. Your mission As our Senior NDT Level 3, you will be a key technical reference for inspection activities on critical aerospace components, with a strong focus on RT, UT, and PT. You will: Perform, supervise, and approve NDT inspections on critical aerospace hardware, with priority on Radiographic Testing (RT) and Ultrasonic Testing (UT), followed by Penetrant Testing (PT) Support production in the early phase with hands-on inspection activities, ensuring product conformity and fast resolution of quality issues Define, validate, and approve NDT techniques in compliance with applicable standards and customer requirements Develop and maintain inspection procedures, instructions, and reporting methods, ensuring full traceability of results Act as the technical focal point for NDT topics across Production, Quality, and Engineering Support investigation of non-conformities, root cause analysis, and corrective actions Contribute to the deployment of more advanced inspection capabilities over time, such as automated UT, phased array, or robotic inspection Be in charge of structuring the future NDT organization, including defining and deploying our EN 4179 / NAS 410 framework, and leading the training, mentoring, and qualification of Level 2 inspectors Your profile Strong practical experience in: Radiographic Testing (RT) – required Ultrasonic Testing (UT) – required Penetrant Testing (PT) – required or strongly preferred ASNT Level III or ISO 9712 Level 3 certification is preferred Certification or qualification under EN 4179 / NAS 410 through a third-party employer is also considered a strong advantage Visual Testing (VT) knowledge is expected Eddy Current Testing (ET) experience is a plus At least 8 years of experience in aerospace, space, defense, or other highly demanding industries Proven experience in inspection of critical welded structures, composite parts, or high-performance industrial components Good understanding of technical drawings, specifications, standards, and quality documentation Ability to write clear procedures, technical instructions, and inspection reports English fluency is required Soft skills Strong balance between hands-on operational mindset and technical leadership Autonomous, structured, and able to bring rigor in a fast-paced environment Motivated to help build a robust NDT capability from the ground up Open, pragmatic, and comfortable working in an international and cross-functional team 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.