PROPULSION ENGINEER

Xdlinx Labs; Hyderabad; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Xdlinx Labs in Hyderabad, Telangana, seeks a Propulsion Engineer to lead design, analysis, integration, and testing of propulsion systems for LEO satellite missions. You will work across chemical and electric propulsion concepts and drive full lifecycle development.

The role demands hands‑on experience, strong problem‑solving, and the ability to collaborate with GNC, ADCS, Thermal, and Systems teams in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 2+ years hands-on propulsion design experience, preferably for space missions.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and Python; experience with ANSYS and CAD tools.
• Knowledge of propulsion options (chemical, electric) and flight hardware development.
• Familiarity with ECSS, NASA GEVS, MIL-STD standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and trade studies of satellite propulsion systems (chemical, electric).
• Conduct performance modeling, plume analysis, and delta‑v calculations.
• Manage propulsion subsystem integration with satellite bus and interfaces.
• Develop propulsion system budgets (mass, power, delta‑v).
• Oversee procurement and qualification of thrusters, valves, tanks, and feed systems.
• Define and review test plans from component to system level.
• Support propulsion operations during AIT and post‑launch commissioning.
• Interface with vendors, launch providers, and cross‑functional teams.

Skills

Propulsion design

Thermal analysis

MATLAB

Python

CAD SolidWorks

Education

Aerospace/Mechanical Eng

Tools

MATLAB

Python

AN SYS

SolidWorks

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled Propulsion Engineer to lead the design, analysis, integration, and testing of propulsion systems for our LEO satellite missions. The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of electric and/or chemical propulsion systems and has hands‑on experience in full lifecycle spacecraft development.

As such, we have an intense culture of curiosity, hunger, and results.

If you want a typical 9-5 job, this is not the place for you.

You do not need to meet 100% of the preferred qualifications to be considered.

Responsibilities:

• Design, and trade studies of satellite propulsion systems (chemical, electric).
• Conduct performance modeling, plume analysis, and mission‑specific delta‑v calculations.
• Manage propulsion subsystem integration with satellite bus, including mechanical and thermal interfaces.
• Develop detailed propulsion system budgets (mass, power, delta‑v, etc.).
• Oversee procurement and qualification of thrusters, valves, tanks, Thruster Control Units and feed systems.
• Define and review test plans for propulsion systems from component‑level to integrated hotfire and system testing.
• Support propulsion operations during AIT (Assembly, Integration Testing) and post‑launch commissioning.
• Interface with vendors, launch providers, and cross‑functional teams (GNC, ADCS, Thermal, Systems).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor s or Master s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (PhD preferred for research‑focused roles).
• 2+ years of hands‑on experience in propulsion system design, preferably in space missions.
• Proficiency in tools such as MATLAB, Python, ANSYS, CAD (SolidWorks, NX), and fluid dynamics software.
• In‑depth knowledge of satellite propulsion options (monopropellant, bipropellant, electric propulsion such as HET, GIE, FEEP, etc.).
• Experience with flight hardware development, testing, and qualification processes.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as ECSS, NASA GEVS, or MIL‑STD.
• Excellent problem‑solving, documentation, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Experience:

• Direct experience with low‑thrust mission design or Electric Propulsion orbit‑raising strategies.
• Understanding of contamination control and plume interaction for precision payloads.
• Previous involvement in satellite launch campaigns or in‑orbit anomaly resolution.

Requirements added by the job poster:

• 2+ years of Defense and Space Manufacturing experience
• 2+ years of work experience with Propulsion