Propulsion Engineer (Stage Systems Engineering)

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

• Carry out systems engineering for the methalox stage fluid and propulsion systems; own the propellant feed, pressurisation, fill/drain, vent/relief, purge and pneumatic circuits.
• Write design specifications for gas and liquid systems; define stage-to-engine and stage-to-GSE interfaces and maintain the ICDs.
• Analyse the interplay of stage systems and their effect on vehicle performance: pressurant and propellant budgets, residuals, chill-down and conditioning, servicing operations and chronology, margins and design trades.
• Own the stage measurement plan: pressure, temperature and flow measurements, sensor ranges and locations, agreed with the avionics team.
• Define valve and pressurisation control requirements: sequences, limits, interlocks and safe states, working with the avionics and software teams.
• Own the overall launch vehicle P&IDs; create P&IDs and CAD models for stage systems and keep them current under change control.
• Write and maintain engineering documents: propulsion data, flight chronology, servicing requirements, traceability and verification records.
• Give technical inputs for tests and flights; review test requests from the stage test team.
• Support stage tests and launch campaigns on site; analyse test and flight data and feed the learning back into design.

DESIRED QUALIFICATION

• B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Min. 4+ years in fluid or propulsion systems for launch vehicles, spacecraft or similar high-pressure/cryogenic systems.
• Hands-on work experience with propellant feed, pressurisation, purge and high-pressure gas systems.
• Experience with cryogenic fluids (LOX, LCH4 or LH2).
• Experience defining instrumentation and valve control requirements for fluid systems.
• Creation of P&IDs and working experience with Python, AutoCAD, Fusion/Inventor or similar CAD, and analysis and plotting tools (MATLAB, Python libraries or similar).
• Test and flight data analysis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION

• Prior work on similar systems and hardware: stage or engine feed systems, pressurisation, RCS/cold-gas, test stands.
• Fluid network and transient simulations; REFPROP or CoolProp.
• Stage servicing and propellant loading operations; GSE and umbilical interfaces; control logic and interlock design.
• Propellant service design, cleaning and compatibility.
• Hazard awareness for oxygen, methane and stored pressure energy; hazard analysis and FMEA.
• Requirements, ICD and configuration control (ECR/ECO) experience.

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