Sheet Metal Fabrication

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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Fabrication and process ownership

Plan and oversee fabrication of SS and aluminium parts and assemblies: rolling, bending, press-brake forming, stamping, deep drawing and laser cutting.

Lead fabrication of cryogenic tanks and CNG gas cylinders/tanks, including shell rolling, dished end forming, fit-up and welding sequence planning.

Define process routes, fixtures, tooling and inspection plans for each part.

Set up welding procedures (WPS/PQR) with the welding team and control distortion in thin-wall SS and aluminium structures.

Drive first-article inspection, root-cause analysis of defects and corrective actions.

2. Vendor identification and management

Identify, assess and qualify vendors for sheet metal, forming, laser cutting and tank fabrication.

Match each part to the right vendor by capability, capacity, quality system and cost.

Conduct vendor audits, approve first articles and monitor quality and delivery.

Support purchase with technical evaluation of quotes and negotiation inputs. 3. In-house capability building

Assess which processes to bring in-house versus outsource, with a cost and volume case.

Specify, evaluate and support purchase of machines such as plate rolling machines, CNC press brakes, laser cutters, presses and welding equipment.

Plan shop layout, installation, commissioning and acceptance trials of new machines.

Write SOPs, train operators and build a skilled fabrication team.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

1. B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Production, Manufacturing or Aerospace Engineering; Diploma holders with strong relevant experience may be considered.

2. 8–10 years of hands-on experience in sheet metal fabrication of SS and aluminium.

3. Working knowledge of rolling, bending, stamping and laser cutting processes and machines.

4. Proven experience in fabrication of cryogenic tanks and/or CNG gas tanks.

5. Experience on launch vehicle, satellite or missile hardware programs is strongly preferred.

6. Hands-on involvement in flight or qualification hardware builds for propellant tanks, stage structures or propulsion systems is an added advantage.

7. Experience in machine selection, procurement and installation for a fabrication shop.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES TECHNICAL SKILLS

Sheet metal design principles: flat pattern development, K-factor, bend allowance, springback.

Forming of SS (304L/316L/301) and aerospace aluminium alloys (2219, 2195 Al-Li, 5xxx/6xxx series) in thin and medium gauge.

Dome and end-cap forming methods: spinning, stretch forming, hydroforming, petal/gore welding.

Pressure vessel and space tank practices; familiarity with ASME Section VIII, IS 2825, ECSS / NASA pressure vessel standards and CNG cylinder standards (IS 15490 / ISO 11439) is a plus.

Welding of SS and aluminium (TIG/MIG, orbital, friction stir welding awareness), weld inspection and NDT (DPT, RT, UT, helium leak, proof and burst testing).

Cryogenic material behaviour, oxygen-compatible cleaning and contamination control.

GD&T, drawing interpretation and inspection methods (CMM, laser scanning).

Working knowledge of CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo or similar) and CNC/laser nesting software.

Aerospace quality systems such as AS9100, first-article inspection (AS9102), NCR/MRB handling and build documentation.

COMPETENCIES

Clear communicator who can give practical, constructive feedback to designers.

Strong vendor development and negotiation skills.

Hands-on problem solver comfortable on the shop floor.

Able to plan capital purchases and build a team and facility from the ground up.

Ownership of quality, cost and delivery.

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.