Propulsion Engineer – Satellite Systems

XDLINX Labs Private Ltd.; Hyderabad; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

XDLINX Labs Private Ltd. in Hyderabad seeks a Propulsion Engineer to lead design, analysis, integration and testing of propulsion systems for our LEO satellite missions.

The role requires deep knowledge of electric and chemical propulsion and hands‑on experience in full spacecraft development lifecycle. We encourage enthusiastic, dedicated professionals to apply and join our team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or related field (PhD preferred).
• 2+ years hands-on propulsion design experience, space missions preferred.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, ANSYS, CAD (SolidWorks, NX) and fluid dynamics tools.
• Knowledge of satellite propulsion options (monopropellant, bipropellant, electric).
• Experience with flight hardware development, testing, and qualification processes.
• Familiarity with ECSS, NASA GEVS, MIL-STD standards.
• Strong problem-solving, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration.

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 interfaces.
• Develop propulsion budgets (mass, power, delta‑v).
• Oversee procurement and qualification of thrusters, valves, tanks and feed systems.
• Define and review propulsion test plans from component to system level.
• Support propulsion operations during AIT and post‑launch commissioning.
• Coordinate with vendors, launch providers and GNC/ADCS/Thermal teams.

Skills

Propulsion design

Hands-on propulsion

Cross-functional collab.

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

ANSYS

CAD

SolidWorks

NX

Fluid dynamics software

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. We encourage anyone who meets the basic qualifications and is interested in the role to apply – we are looking for enthusiastic, dedicated people to join our team, and want the opportunity to talk to you!

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