Propulsion Engineer (Stage Cryogenic Systems)

Astrobase Space Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 2,400,000 - 3,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOPs

Health insurance

Term-life insurance

Personal accident cover

Job summary

Astrobase Space Technologies, based in Bengaluru, seeks a Propulsion Engineer (Stage Cryogenic Systems) to own and qualify liquid/cryogenic systems for the LOX–methane stages. You will design, analyze, test, and integrate feed, fill-drain, valves, and umbilicals, coordinating with engine, structures, avionics, and ground systems.

Candidates should have 4+ years in propulsion or fluid systems, strong cryogenic and CFD/flow knowledge, and hands-on CAD and Python capabilities.

Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech/M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Min. 4+ years designing, building and testing propulsion or fluid systems hardware.
• Hands‑on experience with stage, engine or test‑stand fluid systems hardware.
• Experience with cryogenic fluid systems and hardware (LOX, LCH4, LH2, LN2).
• Working experience with Python, AutoCAD, Fusion 360/Inventor/NX or similar CAD, plus analysis and plotting tools; clear engineering writing.
• Strong grounding in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, cryogenic engineering & two-phase flow.

Responsibilities

• Own the liquid/cryogenic systems of the lower and upper methalox stages, including feed, fill-drain, and management devices.
• Conceptualise, design and analyse line sizing, pressure-drop budgets, tank conditioning, chill-down and insulation.
• Create and manage P&IDs and CAD models; generate manufacturing drawings; update with changes.
• Define stage interfaces in ICDs with engine, structures, avionics and ground systems.
• Coordinate hardware realization and support stage integration and assembly.
• Oversee hardware acceptance: proof, leak and cleanliness checks; valve tests; non-conformance disposition.
• Plan and run testing and qualification: cold-flow, cryogenic flow, loading tests and static fires.
• Analyze test data in Python and apply learnings to improve systems.
• Define processes, servicing procedures, loading sequences and countdown chronology.
• Write and maintain test plans, design, test and anomaly reports.

Skills

Cryogenic engineering

Fluid mechanics

Thermodynamics

Two-phase flow

Engineering writing

Python

CAD concepts

Education

Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering degree

Tools

AutoCAD

Fusion 360

Inventor

NX

Job description

Propulsion Engineer (Stage Cryogenic Systems)

Full-Time

ABOUT ASTROBASE SPACE TECHNOLOGIES

Astrobase Space Technologies is an early-stage Bengaluru company building a two-stage orbital launch vehicle. Our engine is a LOX–methane full-flow staged-combustion engine. The Astrobase Propulsion team is looking for experienced and passionate professionals who can own the vehicle's stage fluid and propulsion systems from design to flight.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own the liquid/cryogenic systems of the lower and upper methalox stages: propellant feed, fill-drain, propellant intake & management devices, slosh-control systems, pogo suppression systems, and umbilical connections.
• Conceptualise, design and analyse these systems: line sizing, pressure-drop budgets, tank and engine conditioning, chill-down, surge, insulation, slosh, and other cryogenic systems requirements.
• Create and manage P&IDs and CAD models for these systems and their hardware, keep them updated with every change, and generate drawings for manufacturing and integration.
• Define stage interfaces with engine, structures, avionics and ground systems in ICDs, including umbilical plates and quick disconnects.
• Drive and coordinate hardware realisation, and support stage integration and assembly.
• Own acceptance of hardware: proof, leak and cleanliness checks, valve functional tests and non-conformance dispositions.
• Plan and run testing and qualification: cold-flow, cryogenic flow, propellant loading tests and static fires; prepare evidence for flight-clearance reviews.
• Analyse test data in Python and apply the learning to improve the systems.
• Define processes, servicing procedures, loading sequences and countdown chronology; plan test-stand and launch-pad operations.
• Write and maintain test plans and design, test and anomaly reports.

BASIC QUALIFICATION

• B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech/M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Min. 4+ years designing, building and testing propulsion or fluid systems hardware.
• Hands‑on experience with stage, engine or test‑stand fluid systems hardware.
• Experience with cryogenic fluid systems and hardware (LOX, LCH4, LH2, LN2).
• Working experience with Python, AutoCAD, Fusion 360/Inventor/NX or similar CAD, plus analysis and plotting tools; clear engineering writing.
• Strong grounding in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, cryogenic engineering & two-phase flow.

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Prior experience on similar stage liquid systems and hardware (feed, fill-drain or umbilicals).
• Cryogenic feed and fill‑drain hardware: valves, pipe and tube fittings, seals, quick disconnects, and propellant management and anti‑vortex devices; tank and engine conditioning, chill‑down and insulation.
• Propellant-service design and cleaning.
• Experience with fluid‑network and transient simulation & NIST REFPROP.
• Hazard analysis and FMEA for oxygen, methane and stored‑energy systems.
• Fabrication and assembly processes; first‑article inspection and aerospace quality‑system experience.
• Proof, leak, functional and cryogenic flow testing; instrumentation and data acquisition.
• Test‑stand, GSE or launch‑pad operations with cryogenic propellants.

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.