Propulsion Engineer (Stage Cryogenic Systems)

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 can own the vehicle's stage fluid and propulsion systems from design to flight.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Own the liquid/cryogenic systems of the lower and upper methalox stages: propellant feed, fill-drain, propellant intake & management devices, slosh-control systems, pogo suppression systems, and umbilical connections.

Conceptualise, design and analyse these systems: line sizing, pressure-drop budgets, tank and engine conditioning, chill-down, surge, insulation, slosh, and other cryogenic systems requirements.

Create and manage P&IDs and CAD models for these systems and their hardware, keep them updated with every change, and generate drawings for manufacturing and integration.

Define stage interfaces with engine, structures, avionics and ground systems in ICDs, including umbilical plates and quick disconnects.

Drive and coordinate hardware realisation, and support stage integration and assembly.

Own acceptance of hardware: proof, leak and cleanliness checks, valve functional tests and non-conformance dispositions.

Plan and run testing and qualification: cold-flow, cryogenic flow, propellant loading tests and static fires; prepare evidence for flight-clearance reviews.

Analyse test data in Python and apply the learning to improve the systems.

Define processes, servicing procedures, loading sequences and countdown chronology; plan test-stand and launch-pad operations.

Write and maintain test plans and design, test and anomaly reports.

BASIC QUALIFICATION

B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech/M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.

Min. 4+ years designing, building and testing propulsion or fluid systems hardware.

Hands-on experience with stage, engine or test-stand fluid systems hardware.

Experience with cryogenic fluid systems and hardware (LOX, LCH4, LH2, LN2).

Working experience with Python, AutoCAD, Fusion 360/Inventor/NX or similar CAD, plus analysis and plotting tools; clear engineering writing.

Strong grounding in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, cryogenic engineering & two-phase flow.

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Prior experience on similar stage liquid systems and hardware (feed, fill-drain or umbilicals).

Cryogenic feed and fill-drain hardware: valves, pipe and tube fittings, seals, quick disconnects, and propellant management and anti-vortex devices; tank and engine conditioning, chill-down and insulation.

Propellant-service design and cleaning.

Experience with fluid-network and transient simulation & NIST REFPROP.

Hazard analysis and FMEA for oxygen, methane and stored-energy systems.

Fabrication and assembly processes; first-article inspection and aerospace quality-system experience.

Proof, leak, functional and cryogenic flow testing; instrumentation and data acquisition.

Test-stand, GSE or launch-pad operations with cryogenic propellants.

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.