Propellant Research Scientist

Manastu Space; Navi Mumbai; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Manastu Space is seeking a Propellant Research Scientist to lead the study of hydrogen peroxide-based propulsion propellants at our Navi Mumbai facility. You will explore decomposition chemistry, stabilization strategies, and predictive models to ensure reliable, flight-ready peroxide systems.

You will work at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and propulsion hardware, delivering engineering guidelines and supporting certification efforts.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Strong background in reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, free radical chemistry and oxidizer chemistry.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with hydrogen peroxide or strong oxidizers.
• Experience designing and executing controlled experimental studies.

Responsibilities

• Lead fundamental research on hydrogen peroxide decomposition chemistry and catalytic pathways relevant to propulsion systems.
• Develop stabilization strategies for long-term propellant storage and study stabilizer interactions.
• Design and execute experimental programs to quantify propellant degradation under mission-relevant conditions.
• Establish predictive models linking kinetics and materials interactions to system-level outcomes.
• Develop engineering guidelines for propellant storage and handling for propulsion hardware.
• Lead failure investigations and anomaly resolution related to propellant stability or decomposition behavior.
• Generate qualification data and justification for propulsion system storage certification and flight readiness.
• Collaborate with propulsion, materials, and systems engineers to ensure chemical behavior is included in design and margins.
• Publish findings internally and externally to advance peroxide-based propulsion knowledge.

Skills

Hydrogen peroxide chemistry

Reaction kinetics

Oxidizer stability

Lab experience

Education

PhD in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Laboratory techniques

Job description

Job Summary

Lead scientific research and experimental development to enable safe, reliable, and long-duration storage of hydrogen peroxide-based propulsion propellants.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Propellant Research Scientist to join our growing aerospace organization facility in Navi Mumbai, with strong expertise in hydrogen peroxide (H O ) chemistry, oxidizer stability, and long-term storage behaviour.

This role focuses on understanding and controlling the molecular, kinetic, and materials-level behavior of H O -based propulsion systems under real engineering constraints.

You will work at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and propulsion hardware, contributing to the development of stable, reliable, and flight-ready peroxide-based propulsion systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead fundamental research on hydrogen peroxide decomposition chemistry, including catalytic pathways, impurity-driven kinetics, and heterogeneous catalytic reactions at metal and oxide surfaces relevant to propulsion systems.
• Develop stabilization strategies for long-term propellant storage in propulsion systems and develop understanding of chemical stabilizers interaction with propellent at molecular level.
• Design and execute experimental programs to quantify propellant degradation under mission-relevant conditions, including temperature, material interfaces, and trace contamination levels.
• Establish predictive models for long-duration propellant storage, linking reaction kinetics and materials interactions to system-level outcomes such as pressure rise and concentration loss.
• Develop engineering guidelines for propellant storage and handling, translating chemical research results into design rules for propulsion system hardware.
• Lead failure investigations and anomaly resolution related to propellant stability, material compatibility, or unexpected decomposition behavior.
• Generate qualification data and technical justification required for propulsion system storage certification and flight readiness reviews.
• Collaborate with propulsion, materials, and systems engineers to ensure the chemical behavior of the propellant is incorporated into system design, storage margins, and mission lifetime predictions.
• Publish technical findings internally and externally, contributing to the scientific and engineering knowledge base of peroxide-based propulsion systems.

Experience & Background

• PhD in Chemistry (Organic or Inorganic), Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Strong background in reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, free radical chemistry and oxidizer chemistry.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with hydrogen peroxide or strong oxidizers.
• Experience designing and executing controlled experimental studies.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques used in chemical characterization, with data analysis and interpretation skills to develop property- stability correlation.
• Strong publishing records such as patents, research papers and conferences
• Candidate should be capable to work in timeline driven, result oriented and fast paced environment

Ideal Candidate Profile

• - Highly driven experimental scientist with deep expertise in hydrogen peroxide (H O ) chemistry, oxidizer stability, and reaction kinetics.
• - Ability to translate fundamental research into practical propulsion system applications.
• - Demonstrate the ability to develop stabilization strategies, predictive models, and engineering guidelines for long-duration propellant storage, and have experience in failure analysis and solving complex stability challenges.
• - The ability to work in a fast-paced, result-oriented environment and collaborate across engineering teams is essential.

What Success Looks Like in this role

• Achieves reliable long-term stability of H O -based propellants under mission conditions
• Translates complex chemistry into practical stabilization strategies and engineering guidelines
• Builds predictive models linking kinetics and materials behavior to system-level outcomes
• Effectively identifies and resolves decomposition, compatibility, and stability issues
• Contributes to qualification, certification, and flight readiness through high-quality data and analysis
• Demonstrates strong ownership, delivering high-quality outcomes with scientific rigor
• Applies a problem-solving mindset to drive root cause analysis and resolution
• Communicates clearly and collaborates across teams in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment