Assistant Manager – Mechanical (Cryogenic Systems, Pressure Vessels & Piping)

ABOUT ASTROBASE SPACE TECHNOLOGIES
Astrobase Space Technologies is an early-stage Bengaluru company building a two-stage orbital launch vehicle. Our engine is a LOX–methane full-flow staged-combustion engine. The Astrobase Propulsion team is looking for experienced and passionate professionals who turn engine plans into flight engines delivered on time and within budget.
JOB OVERVIEW The Assistant Manager / Manager – Mechanical will be responsible for leading the engineering, design, and execution support activities for cryogenic systems, pressure vessels, station piping, and associated infrastructure used in rocket stage test facilities, launch pads, and other critical aerospace ground systems. The role requires extensive experience across the complete engineering lifecycle, including concept development, basic engineering, detailed engineering, manufacturing support, installation, testing, commissioning, and operational readiness. The successful candidate shall provide technical leadership for the design and implementation of complex cryogenic facilities, ensuring all systems meet stringent safety, reliability, operability, and performance requirements. Working from the Head Office, the position will require periodic travel to project sites to support construction, installation, testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and final acceptance activities.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE To lead the engineering and implementation of cryogenic systems, pressure vessels, and station piping infrastructure from concept through commissioning, ensuring safe, reliable, compliant, and operationally robust mechanical systems that support rocket stage testing, launch operations, and critical aerospace infrastructure.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Engineering & Design Leadership • Lead concept, basic, and detailed engineering activities for cryogenic systems, pressure vessels, station piping, utility systems, and associated mechanical infrastructure. • Develop and review engineering deliverables including PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specifications, piping layouts, material specifications, engineering calculations, and design documentation. • Ensure designs satisfy operational, safety, maintainability, and performance objectives. • Drive design optimization and value engineering initiatives to improve reliability, constructability, and lifecycle performance. • Provide technical direction for engineering studies, design reviews, and system integration activities. Pressure Vessel & Piping Engineering • Lead engineering activities related to cryogenic storage systems, pressure vessels, transfer lines, process piping, vent systems, filling systems, and fluid distribution networks. • Review mechanical designs for pressure containment, thermal performance, stress requirements, operability, and safety. • Support vendor evaluation, technical bid assessments, design reviews, and manufacturing oversight. • Ensure proper material selection for cryogenic service and demanding operational environments. Codes, Standards & Regulatory Compliance • Ensure compliance with applicable national and international regulations, codes, and industry standards. • Maintain strong working knowledge of: o ASME BPVC o ASME B31 Series o PESO Requirements o SMPV Rules o IBR Requirements o EN Standards o Relevant aerospace and cryogenic system standards • Establish engineering review and validation processes for critical mechanical systems. • Ensure all deliverables are compliant with statutory, client, and project-specific requirements. Testing, Qualification & Commissioning Support • Define qualification, testing, and acceptance requirements for pressure vessels, piping systems, and cryogenic infrastructure. • Support development of testing procedures, commissioning plans, and operational readiness activities. • Participate in factory acceptance tests, site acceptance tests, pressure testing, leak testing, performance testing, and commissioning activities. • Ensure engineering intent is maintained throughout fabrication, installation, testing, and commissioning stages. • Review and resolve technical issues arising during execution and operational trials. Construction & Site Engineering Support • Provide engineering support during fabrication, installation, erection, and commissioning activities. • Conduct site inspections and review implementation against approved engineering documentation. • Evaluate field modifications, deviations, and non-conformances and provide appropriate engineering solutions. • Interface with contractors, vendors, consultants, and execution teams to ensure successful implementation of mechanical systems. Leadership & Project Coordination • Coordinate with Civil, Electrical, Instrumentation, Controls, Safety, Procurement, and Operations teams. • Lead technical reviews and support project planning, scheduling, and risk management activities. • Mentor engineers and designers while promoting engineering best practices and standardization. • Support development of departmental procedures, specifications, and engineering guidelines. Technical Expertise • Cryogenic Storage and Distribution Systems • Pressure Vessel Engineering • Process and Station Piping Systems • Rocket Stage Test Facilities • Launch Pad Fluid Systems • Cryogenic Transfer and Loading Infrastructure • Mechanical System Integration • Equipment Specification and Selection • Stress and Thermal Considerations • Testing and Qualification Procedures • Commissioning and Operational Readiness • Engineering Documentation and Design Reviews • Safety and Regulatory Compliance • Multidisciplinary Engineering Coordination Software Proficiency • AutoCAD • SolidWorks/ Autodesk Inventor Knowledge required. • CAESAR II (Preferred) • PV Elite (Preferred) • ANSYS (Preferred) • Microsoft Office Suite
BASIC QULAIFICATION • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering; Master's Degree preferred. • Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in pressure vessels, cryogenic systems, industrial gases, LNG, aerospace ground systems, energy, or process industries. • Demonstrated experience in concept, basic, and detailed engineering of pressure vessels and piping systems. • Strong understanding of cryogenic fluid handling systems and associated safety requirements. • Proven experience supporting projects from engineering through installation, testing, and commissioning. • Strong working knowledge of ASME, PESO, SMPV, IBR, EN, and applicable industrial standards. • Experience in technical reviews, vendor management, qualification testing, and multidisciplinary engineering coordination. • Excellent leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills. • Willingness to travel to project sites as required.
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.