Manufacturing Technician – Prototyping & Test Support

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Manufacturing Technician – Prototyping & Test Support

Company: The Exploration Company

Location: Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Manufacturing & Operations

Date Posted: October 13, 2025

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for supporting the prototyping of spacecraft subsystems and providing hands-on assistance in workshop and test activities for reusable orbital vehicles.

• The Manufacturing Technician will be instrumental in the fabrication of prototype parts and assemblies, contributing directly to the development of innovative space technology.

• The position involves close collaboration with engineering and AIT (Assembly, Integration, and Test) teams, ensuring seamless integration of mechanical components and test setups.

• Candidates will have opportunities to learn and operate advanced manufacturing processes such as CNC machines and Wire-EDM, directly impacting the production of flight hardware.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not a traditional Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM role, it is a critical support function within a high-tech manufacturing and engineering environment. The emphasis on process, quality, documentation, and collaboration with engineering teams aligns with operational excellence principles. The "Prototyping & Test Support" aspect highlights the need for meticulous execution and problem-solving, akin to operational efficiency in non-manufacturing sectors.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Fabricate prototype parts and assemblies through cutting, drilling, machining, fitting, and manual assembly techniques.

• Provide essential workshop support, including mechanical adjustments, tooling preparation, and minor modifications for engineering teams.

• Assist engineers in the assembly, setup, and integration of test benches, including the preparation of necessary fixtures and hardware.

• Contribute to the production of flight hardware by learning and operating CNC machines, Wire-EDM (WEDM), or other advanced manufacturing processes.

• Ensure adherence to aerospace cleanliness and quality requirements, maintaining traceability of work and correct execution of tasks.

• Read and interpret technical drawings and schematics to guide manufacturing and assembly processes accurately.

• Collaborate effectively with design, AIT, and manufacturing teams to ensure timely and quality delivery of prototypes and test components.

• Maintain a safe and organized workshop environment, adhering to all safety protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of hands-on fabrication, technical support, and a willingness to learn advanced manufacturing processes. This requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a keen eye for detail, which are transferable skills beneficial in operations roles that require process optimization and quality control.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Proven hands-on skills in cutting, drilling, assembly, and fitting of mechanical components.

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and schematics.

• Knowledge of basic metrology and workshop inspection tools for quality control.

• Strong practical, rigorous, and team-oriented work ethic.

• Flexibility to adapt to a variety of workshop tasks and evolving project needs.

Preferred Skills:

• Welding experience, specifically TIG (GTAW) on aluminum, stainless steel, or steel, is a strong advantage.

• Motivation and aptitude to learn and operate CNC machines and Wire-EDM (WEDM) processes.

• Familiarity with basic principles of industrial maintenance and fabrication.

• Professional English proficiency for effective communication in an international environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills highlight a blend of practical, hands-on abilities and the capacity for technical understanding. The preference for welding and CNC/WEDM operation indicates a need for specialized technical aptitude, which, in an operational context, translates to adaptability and a willingness to master new tools and processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of manufactured prototype parts and assemblies, demonstrating precision and adherence to specifications.

• Include case studies or examples of successful workshop support, highlighting problem-solving and efficiency improvements in mechanical adjustments or tooling.

• Present documentation of quality assurance processes followed during manufacturing or assembly, emphasizing traceability and adherence to standards.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate the ability to follow and document manufacturing workflows from technical drawings to finished products.

• Illustrate experience with quality control checkpoints and documentation procedures relevant to aerospace or high-precision manufacturing.

• Show examples of how processes were optimized for efficiency, material usage, or assembly time in previous roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should focus on tangible outputs and process adherence rather than traditional operational metrics. It should highlight the candidate's ability to translate technical designs into physical reality, manage quality, and contribute to efficient workshop operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated range for a Manufacturing Technician with 3-5 years of experience in Bordeaux, France, is approximately €28,000 - €36,000 per year, depending on specific skills and experience.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on research of average technician salaries in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region for roles involving mechanical fabrication, prototyping, and industrial support, adjusted for the specific industry context (aerospace/high-tech manufacturing). Data sources include French labor market statistics and industry-specific salary benchmarks.

Benefits:

• Direct involvement in cutting-edge reusable spacecraft manufacturing.

• Training opportunities on advanced CNC and Wire-EDM technologies.

• Daily collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering and AIT teams.

• Experience within a dynamic, international start-up environment.

• Potential for direct contribution to flight hardware production.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and test schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for the Bordeaux region. Benefits are tailored to the high-tech, aerospace industry context, emphasizing hands-on experience and professional development in advanced manufacturing.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Space Technology, developing reusable orbital vehicles.

Company Size: Growing start-up environment, likely ranging from 50-200 employees based on typical growth trajectories for companies in this sector.

Founded: The Exploration Company was founded to revolutionize space access with modular, reusable spacecraft. This innovative spirit drives its culture.

Team Structure:

• The Manufacturing Technician will be part of a dedicated workshop team, working closely with engineers from Design, Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) departments.

• Reporting is likely to a Workshop Lead or Manufacturing Engineering Manager.

Methodology:

• Embraces an agile and collaborative approach to problem-solving, with transparency regarding challenges and obstacles.

• Focuses on rapid decision-making while maintaining a clear view of long-term goals and complex system requirements.

• Emphasizes hands-on, practical execution and continuous learning to overcome technical hurdles in a fast-paced environment.

Company Website: https://www.exploration.space/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as agile, open, collaborative, and fun, driven by a mission to democratize space. This suggests an environment where initiative, teamwork, and a passion for space exploration are highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry to mid-level hands-on technical position focused on manufacturing and prototyping. It represents a foundational role within the operations and production wing of a cutting-edge aerospace company.

Reporting Structure: The Manufacturing Technician will likely report to a Workshop Lead or Manufacturing Manager, working closely with a cross-functional team of engineers and other technicians. This structure facilitates direct mentorship and learning opportunities.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing revenue, this role has a critical impact on the company's ability to develop and test its spacecraft. The quality and efficiency of prototyping and test support directly influence the speed and success of product development, ultimately contributing to the company's ability to bring its technology to market and achieve its revenue goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to become an expert in specific manufacturing processes like TIG welding, CNC operation, or Wire-EDM.

• Process Improvement: Potential to contribute to the refinement and optimization of manufacturing workflows and test procedures.

• Advanced Technology: Gain experience with state-of-the-art aerospace manufacturing equipment and techniques.

• Career Advancement: Progression to roles such as Senior Manufacturing Technician, Lead Operator, or potentially into Manufacturing Engineering support roles as experience and knowledge grow.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Develop a deeper understanding of spacecraft design, integration, and testing through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is primarily technical, with a path towards specialization or leadership within the manufacturing operations domain. The start-up environment offers significant exposure to diverse aspects of product development, fostering rapid learning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a hands-on workshop and laboratory environment, integrated with engineering and AIT teams.

Office Location(s): Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is dynamic and hands-on, requiring close interaction with physical hardware, machinery, and testing equipment.

• Access to a range of manufacturing tools, metrology equipment, and potentially advanced CNC/EDM machinery.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but flexibility may be required to support critical test campaigns or project deadlines, which is common in the aerospace industry and start-up settings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The environment is characterized by its practical, hands-on nature, emphasizing direct contribution to physical product development. It's a space where collaboration and problem-solving happen in real-time, directly on the shop floor.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter to assess technical qualifications, relevant experience, and alignment with role requirements.

• Technical Interview: Discussion with hiring manager or lead engineer to assess hands-on skills, understanding of manufacturing processes, ability to read technical drawings, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Workshop/Practical Assessment: Candidates may be asked to perform a practical task or demonstrate specific skills (e.g., basic fitting, assembly, or discuss welding techniques) to evaluate their practical aptitude.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members and key stakeholders to gauge collaboration style, adaptability, and alignment with company values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior management to discuss overall fit and long-term potential within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: For physical prototypes, provide clear, high-resolution photos or short videos of the parts and assemblies you have worked on.

• Detail Your Contribution: Clearly articulate your specific role and contributions to each project. What tasks did you perform? What challenges did you overcome?

• Highlight Process & Quality: Emphasize the processes you followed, the tools you used, and how you ensured quality and adherence to specifications or drawings.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Include examples where you identified an issue and proposed or implemented a solution, showcasing your practical problem-solving skills.

• Tailor to the Role: Focus on examples relevant to mechanical fabrication, assembly, prototyping, and test support. If you have welding or CNC experience, make sure those examples are prominent.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Drawing Interpretation: Be prepared to discuss how you interpret technical drawings and what key information you look for.

• Process Understanding: Be ready to explain your experience with specific manufacturing processes (cutting, drilling, machining, fitting, assembly, welding).

• Quality Assurance: Discuss your understanding of quality requirements in manufacturing and how you ensure traceability and adherence to standards.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about times you encountered a manufacturing issue and how you approached resolving it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will heavily lean on practical skills and problem-solving. A well-curated portfolio that visually demonstrates hands-on capabilities and process understanding will be key to a successful application.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Hand Tools: Comprehensive set of mechanical hand tools for assembly, fitting, and adjustment.

• Power Tools: Drills, grinders, saws, and other standard workshop power tools.

• Measuring Tools: Calipers, micrometers, rulers, gauges, and other metrology instruments.

• Welding Equipment: TIG/GTAW welding machines (if applicable).

• Machining Equipment: Access to lathes, milling machines (basic operation or support).

Manufacturing Systems:

• CNC Machines: Potential for training and operation of CNC mills and lathes.

• Wire-EDM (WEDM): Opportunity to learn and operate Wire Electrical Discharge Machining equipment.

• CAD/CAM Software: Familiarity with reading output from these systems for CNC programming or understanding machining paths is a plus.

Documentation & Collaboration Tools:

• Technical Drawings: Proficiency in reading and working from engineering drawings (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks drawings).

• Version Control: Understanding of how to manage revisions of drawings and work instructions.

• Collaboration Platforms: Likely use of tools like Slack, Jira, or Confluence for team communication and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with fundamental workshop tools and metrology is essential. The role also offers significant opportunities to gain experience with advanced automated manufacturing technologies like CNC and WEDM, which are critical for modern production environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Quality: A commitment to producing work that meets stringent aerospace standards, with meticulous attention to detail.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working together across disciplines to achieve complex project goals.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying and solving technical challenges in a fast-paced development environment.

• Adaptability & Flexibility: Willingness to embrace new tasks, learn new processes, and adapt to changing project priorities.

• Passion for Space: A shared enthusiasm for the company's mission and the advancement of space technology.

Collaboration Style:

• Open and direct communication between technicians and engineers.

• Regular team meetings and stand-ups to discuss progress, challenges, and next steps.

• A culture of mutual support, where team members readily assist each other to meet deadlines and overcome obstacles.

• Cross-functional collaboration is encouraged to ensure that manufacturing feasibility informs design and that test requirements are understood by the manufacturing team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely values a hands-on, problem-solving mindset coupled with a strong sense of teamwork and a shared passion for achieving ambitious goals in the space industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Prototyping Demands: Meeting tight deadlines for prototype parts and assemblies in a fast-paced start-up environment.

• Learning New Technologies: Quickly acquiring proficiency with advanced manufacturing equipment like CNC and WEDM.

• Complex Designs: Working with intricate spacecraft subsystem designs that require high precision and careful execution.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Effectively translating engineering requirements into tangible manufactured parts and providing feedback from the workshop floor.

• Aerospace Quality Standards: Consistently adhering to rigorous quality and cleanliness protocols inherent to the aerospace sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Manufacturing Training: Formal training and hands-on experience with CNC machining, Wire-EDM, and potentially other automated fabrication technologies.

• Welding Specialization: Deepening expertise in TIG welding for various materials, potentially leading to certification.

• Technical Drawing & CAD Familiarity: Enhancing understanding of CAD software outputs and advanced technical drawing interpretation.

• Aerospace Manufacturing Processes: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing lifecycle for spacecraft components.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to learn about electronics assembly, AIT procedures, and potentially even system integration through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents excellent opportunities for hands-on skill development in advanced manufacturing, coupled with exposure to the unique challenges and rewards of working in the aerospace industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with specific tools, materials, and manufacturing processes (cutting, drilling, fitting, assembly, welding).

• Reading Technical Drawings: Demonstrate your ability to interpret engineering drawings, including dimensions, tolerances, and material specifications.

• Problem-Solving: Describe a time you encountered a manufacturing challenge and how you successfully resolved it. Focus on your thought process and actions.

• Quality Assurance: Explain your understanding of quality control in manufacturing and how you ensure work meets required standards and traceability.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation for Space: Articulate why you are interested in working for The Exploration Company and in the aerospace industry.

• Teamwork: Provide examples of how you have collaborated effectively with engineers or other team members on technical projects.

• Adaptability: Discuss your experience working in dynamic or fast-paced environments and how you manage changing priorities.

• Learning Agility: Share how you approach learning new skills or operating new equipment.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visual Evidence: Use clear photos or videos of your past work, focusing on the quality and complexity of the parts you've fabricated or assembled.

• Quantify Impact (Where Possible): If you improved a process or reduced assembly time, try to quantify the impact.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly state your specific responsibilities and contributions to each project presented.

• Process Walkthrough: Be ready to walk through the steps you took for a particular project, from understanding the drawing to final inspection.

• Conciseness: Focus on your most relevant and impressive projects, keeping the presentation focused and impactful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily emphasize practical skills, hands-on experience, and the ability to integrate into a collaborative, fast-paced engineering team. A strong visual portfolio and clear articulation of problem-solving and process adherence will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Manufacturing Technician position:

• Submit your CV and a cover letter through the provided application link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio (e.g., PDF, personal website) showcasing your best work in mechanical fabrication, assembly, and prototyping. Include high-quality images or videos of parts you've made, highlighting your hands-on skills and attention to detail.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your years of experience in workshop settings, specific manufacturing skills (cutting, drilling, fitting, assembly, welding), and any experience with technical drawings or quality control. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your technical skills, problem-solving approaches, and experience with specific manufacturing processes. Practice articulating your contributions to past projects and your interest in aerospace technology.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with The Exploration Company's mission, technology (Nyx vehicle), and company culture (agile, collaborative, fun). Understand how your role contributes to their overarching goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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