Manon Bordeau, Orbex structure engineer from Paris

Pioneering space sector

Orbex has set up a Scottish base at the Enterprise Park in Forres in 2019. It includes a rocket design and integration facility, a space mission control centre and executive offices. They are developing the Orbex Prime, an innovative new low-carbon launch vehicle that will transport small satellites into Earth orbit. 

Manon Bordeau from Paris is a structures engineer with Orbex. She tells us about her role within the Scottish space sector and being part of such a pioneering project based in the Highlands.

How long have you lived in the region and have you lived or worked anywhere else?

"I have been living in the region for 1.5 years but did a previous internship here for 11 months – so have spend longer here, gone away and come back.!

Tell us a bit about your work. What do you do, how did you get into this sector and what attracted you to this role?

"I'm a Structures Engineer working with the team that are designing and developing the Orbex Prime microlauncher.

"I studied Aerospace Engineering at University in France and had the opportunity to join Orbex in 2021 as an intern with the Structures team. I always loved space and am excited to be part of this pioneering project."

What do you love about living and working in the region?

"I love having access to the outdoors and take part in many outdoor activities which are available in spades in the local area - mountain biking, marathons, swimming and surfing."

Why do you think other people should consider moving to the region or a career in the space sector?

"There are great opportunities to work in the space industry in a unique and picturesque location. It's not often you get the opportunity to live and work in such a beautiful area, in particular, when you are a young, aspiring engineer building your career." 

Find out more about Orbex on their website.