Propulsion Systems Engineer, Engine Test & Acceptance

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

• Write engine and component test plans and procedures: proof and leak checks, functional and valve-timing checks, water and LN2 flow tests, and hot-fire runs.
• Set test objectives, test matrices, redlines and abort criteria with the cycle and controls engineers; chair test readiness reviews.
• Define the test-article configuration, stand interfaces and instrumentation list (pressure, temperature, flow, vibration, high-speed channels); verify calibration and channel checkout before each run.
• Interface with system specialists and bring engine to test stand; conduct and own test process.
• Review data against pre-test predictions after every run; issue quick-look and final test reports.
• Lead anomaly investigations to root cause and verified corrective action; disposition test-related nonconformances at MRB.
• Assess every engineering change for its effect on completed test and acceptance evidence, and decide what must be repeated.
• Write the engine acceptance test specification; maintain as-tested against as-built records and compile the acceptance data package and certificate of conformity for each flight engine.

DESIRED QUALIFICATION

• B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Min. 5+ years in liquid rocket engine or propulsion component testing.
• Has written and run test procedures on a cryogenic stand (LOX, LN2, LCH4 or LH2).
• Has led an anomaly investigation through to a closed corrective action.
• Instrumentation and DAQ: transducer selection, calibration traceability, sample rates and filtering.
• Python or MATLAB for test-data reduction.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION

• Has accepted and delivered flight propulsion hardware under AS9100D, including AS9102 first-article inspection.
• Oxygen-service cleaning and compatibility (ASTM G93, IEST-STD-CC1246, NASA-STD-6001).
• Pressure-system safety on test stands (ASME B31.3, NASA-STD-8719.17).
• Liquid rocket engine qualification and acceptance practice (SMC-S-016; Aerospace TR-RS-2023-00026).
• Turbopump-fed or staged-combustion engine test experience.
• Stand sequencing and automated redline logic.

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.