Propulsion Engineer, Combustion Devices (Preburners)

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

• Design ownership of pre-combustion devices, continuous improvement
• Design the oxidiser-rich and fuel-rich preburners for FFSC engines: injector elements, chamber, igniter ports and hot-gas ducts to the turbines.
• Manage thermal, structural and stability analyses through start, steady and shutdown transients; set margins and life to NASA-STD-5012.
• Build CAD models and release drawings with GD&T for printed, machined and welded preburner parts.
• Create and own process for manufacturing, assembly and testing
• Plan water-flow, spray and igniter tests and component hot-fire, analyze test data and continuously improve designs.
• Define acceptance tests: proof, leak, flow check; Conduct ECR/ECO, NCR dispositions.
• Documentation, change management and hardware acceptance.

DESIRED QUALIFICATION

• B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Min. 5+ years designing and testing liquid rocket combustion devices.
• Hands-on work on preburners or gas generators for pump-fed engines, taken through hot-fire.
• Experience with cryogenic propulsion hardware (LOX, LCH4 or LH2).
• Injector analysis: element pressure drop, atomisation, mixing and c* efficiency.
• Advanced CAD/PLM: Siemens NX/Teamcenter, CATIA/3DEXPERIENCE or Creo/Windchill

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION

• Oxidiser-rich or full-flow staged-combustion hardware, through component or engine test.
• Reacting-flow CFD (Star-CCM+ or Fluent) and FEA (Ansys Mechanical or Abaqus).
• Torch or spark igniter design and start-sequence work with engine systems.
• Stability tools and high-frequency pressure data analysis.
• Design for additive manufacturing.

WHAT WE OFFER
• Salary: ₹24–36 LPA fixed CTC, additional 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.