Manager– Rocket Engine Test Facility

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.

Role Overview:

Astrobase is seeking a highly experienced and technically strong engineering leader to manage the Operations, Maintenance, Infrastructure Development, Facility Augmentation, and Statutory Compliance activities of its Rocket Engine Test Facility.

The role is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, compliant, and uninterrupted operation of all facility infrastructure supporting rocket engine testing activities. The incumbent shall lead multidisciplinary teams, drive facility growth and operational excellence, ensure regulatory compliance, and develop organizational capabilities required to achieve company objectives.

The position requires a hands-on leader with strong ownership, technical judgment, people management skills, and the ability to independently manage a complex engineering facility.

Key Responsibilities

1. Facility Operations & Maintenance

Lead the overall operation and maintenance of the Rocket Engine Test Facility. Ensure high availability, reliability, and operational readiness of all facility systems and utilities.

Establish and continuously improve preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance programs.

Develop and implement maintenance strategies, SOPs, inspection plans, and operating procedures.

Drive asset reliability, performance improvement, and root cause analysis for equipment failures.

Ensure facility infrastructure consistently supports present and future testing requirements.

2. Mechanical, Civil, Electrical & Automation Systems

Manage operation, maintenance, improvement, and lifecycle management of:

Rocket Engine Test Infrastructure

LNG Storage & Regasification Systems

LOX, LIN, GN2, GO2 and CNG Systems

High-Pressure Gas Systems

Cryogenic Storage and Transfer Systems

Pressure Vessels, Pipelines and Utility Networks

HT/LT Electrical Distribution Systems

PLC, Instrumentation and Automation Systems

Fire & Gas Detection Systems

Buildings, Roads, Drainage and Civil Infrastructure

Utility and Support Facilities

3. Safety Management Coordination

Ensure facility safety requirements are effectively implemented, monitored, and maintained through the Safety Department.

Work in close coordination with the Safety Head and Site Safety Team to ensure compliance with company safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Ensure implementation of risk assessments, HAZOP recommendations, permit-to-work systems, emergency preparedness plans, and corrective actions.

Monitor safety performance across all departments and ensure timely closure of safety observations.

Provide leadership support, resources, and infrastructure necessary for maintaining safe operations.

Promote a strong safety culture and operational discipline throughout the facility.

4. Statutory Compliance & Approvals

Own overall compliance responsibility for the facility.

Ensure timely obtaining, maintenance, and renewal of all statutory approvals and licenses through the Safety Department and relevant internal teams.

Monitor compliance with PESO, SMPV (U) Rules, Gas Cylinder Rules, Fire Department requirements, Environmental requirements, Electrical Inspectorate requirements, and other applicable regulations.

Ensure compliance observations, audit findings, and regulatory actions are effectively addressed and closed.

Maintain continuous regulatory readiness of the facility.

5. Infrastructure Development & Facility Augmentation

Lead planning, engineering, budgeting, and execution of new infrastructure projects.

Manage facility expansion, capacity enhancement, modernization, and augmentation programs.

Oversee civil, mechanical, electrical, automation, utility, and testing infrastructure development projects.

Ensure projects are executed safely, within budget, and on schedule.

Support long-term infrastructure planning aligned with company growth objectives.

6. Team Leadership & Organizational Development

Lead and develop:

O&M Mechanical & Civil Team

O&M Electrical & Automation Team

Safety Team (through functional coordination with Safety Head)

First Aid & Emergency Response Team

Contractors and Service Providers

Responsibilities include:

Team development and capability building

Workforce planning and resource management

Performance management and mentoring

Technical guidance and leadership

Building a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement

7. Contractor & Vendor Management

Manage contractors, service providers, and equipment vendors.

Ensure quality, safety, and timely execution of outsourced activities.

Review engineering deliverables, maintenance activities, and project progress.

Drive contractor performance and compliance with facility requirements.

Required Qualification

B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (Preferred). Candidates from Electrical & Automation Engineering with strong Operations & Maintenance experience and sound industrial safety knowledge may also be considered.

Minimum 12 Years (15+ Years Preferred)

Required Skills

Strong knowledge and practical experience in:

Operations & Maintenance Management

Industrial and Process Safety

Cryogenic Systems

LNG Storage & Regasification Systems

High-Pressure Gas Systems

Mechanical Maintenance & Utilities

Electrical Power Systems

Instrumentation & Automation Systems

PLC/SCADA-Based Operations

Asset Integrity & Reliability Engineering

Engineering Project Management

Infrastructure Development & Facility Expansion

Statutory Compliance & Regulatory Requirements

Contractor & Vendor Management

Budgeting and Resource Planning

Preferred Industry Experience

Experience in one or more of the following industries will be preferred:

LNG & Cryogenic Facilities

Oil & Gas Industry

Process Industries

Power Generation Plants

High-Hazard Engineering Facilities

Desired Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate shall:

Possess strong leadership capability with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience.

Have demonstrated experience in managing multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Be capable of independently managing facility operations, maintenance, development, and compliance activities.

Have strong technical understanding of mechanical, civil, electrical, automation, and utility systems.

Understand organizational goals and effectively translate them into executable plans.

Drive operational excellence, reliability, safety, compliance, and infrastructure growth.

Be willing to reside near Thimmasamudram, Andhra Pradesh, and provide strong on-site leadership.

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 Tech