Propulsion Engineer (Stage Pneumatic Systems)

ABOUT ASTROBASE SPACE TECHNOLOGIES
Astrobase is a pioneering spacetech startup founded by prominent Senior ISRO scientists and IIT Bombay alumni with over 20 years of experience in designing, manufacturing, testing and flying advanced Cryogenic Launch Vehicles. Driven by a vision to make India a Space tech powerhouse, we are developing innovative launch vehicles that will transform space exploration. At Astrobase, you’ll be part of a team creating history in the Indian space industry. Our goal is to become the first private space company from India to land on the moon economically. Our Propulsion team is looking for experienced and passionate professionals who have designed and hot-fired preburners or gas generators.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conceptualise, design, analyse and realise the gas systems of the lower and upper methalox stages: propellant tank pressurisation, vent and relief, RCS, ullage thrusters, umbilical connections, purge/inerting and pneumatic supply.
• Run system analyses: pressurant budgets, ullage collapse, line and orifice sizing, blowdown, pressure transients, relief capacity, etc.
• Own each system end to end: component specification, realisation, integration/assembly, hardware acceptance, testing and qualification, operations planning and documentation.
• Create the system P&IDs, CAD models and drawings for manufacturing and integration; keep them updated with every change through revision control, ECR/ECO change control, NCR dispositions and as-built traceability.
• Define and control interfaces (ICDs) with the engine, stage structures, avionics and ground systems.
• Plan and define processes, tests, servicing operations, sequencing and chronology; prepare design, test and flight reports.
• Support stage and static-fire tests, launch campaigns and post-test activities.
• Analyse test data and feed the learning back into design, procedures and models.
• Build the qualification and flight-clearance evidence for each system and present it for programme review and approval.

DESIRED QUALIFICATION

• B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech/M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Min. 4+ years in design and testing of launch vehicle or spacecraft fluid systems.
• Hands-on experience with gas/fluid systems hardware.
• Experience with cryogenic propulsion hardware (LOX, LCH4 or LH2).
• Working experience with Python, AutoCAD, Fusion/Inventor or similar CAD, analysis tools and plotting tools.
• Strong grounding in compressible flow, thermodynamics and heat transfer as applied to high-pressure gas and cryogenic systems.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION

• Prior experience on similar stage gas systems and hardware.
• Autogenous and stored-gas (helium/nitrogen) pressurisation; COPVs, regulators, relief/check/solenoid valves and quick disconnects.
• Cold-gas or hot-gas RCS and ullage/settling thrusters for upper-stage restart.
• Fluid-network simulation and NIST REFPROP or CoolProp.
• Proof, leak and functional testing; familiarity with pressure-system standards.
• Propellant-service cleaning and compatibility.
• Hazard analysis for oxygen, methane and stored-energy systems.
• Test-stand or launch-pad operations with high-pressure and cryogenic systems.
• First-article inspection and aerospace quality-system experience.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Salary: ₹24-36 LPA fixed CTC, variable pay based on experience and role fitment.
• Attractive early-stage stock options (ESOPs).
• Group health insurance: employee, spouse, children and parents.
• Insurance: term-life and personal-accident cover.
• Work environment: Challenging, stimulating, research-driven work solving rocket problems every day with a great team. We have a good time, and unlimited coffee.

WHY WORK WITH US?
At Astrobase, we believe in the power of human ingenuity and collaboration to push the boundaries of space exploration. As a team member, you’ll be:
1. Creating History: Join us in developing cutting-edge launch vehicles, playing a pivotal role in transforming space access and shaping the future of space exploration.
2. Collaborating with Experts: Work alongside ISRO scientists and industry veterans with decades of experience in designing India’s iconic space missions like Chandrayaan 3
3. Growth Opportunities: As Astrobase scales, you’ll have the chance to take on leadership roles and be part of an expanding organization driving change in the Indian space sector.
4. Pioneering Space Technology: Your contributions will not only impact Astrobase but also influence the global space ecosystem. Be part of something larger than yourself.

Astrobase is an equal-opportunity employer; we hire on skills, merit and experience. Apply with your CV and a short note on combustion hardware you have designed, built or tested