Propulsion Engineer (Stage Pneumatic Systems)

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

Benefits offered by this job

ESOPs

Group health insurance

Term-life and personal-accident cover

Job summary

Astrobase Space Technologies Pvt. Ltd. in Bengaluru seeks a Propulsion Engineer (Stage Pneumatic Systems) to own gas-system design for LOX–methane stages, including pressurisation, vents, ullage, RCS, and umbilicals.

You will run analyses, develop P&IDs and CAD drawings, coordinate interfaces, and support tests and launch campaigns, collaborating with a team building India's next generation orbital launcher.

Qualifications

• BE/B.Tech/ME/MTech/MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Min. 4+ years in design and testing of launch vehicle or spacecraft fluid systems.
• Hands-on experience with gas/fluid systems hardware.
• Experience with cryogenic propulsion hardware (LOX, LCH4 or LH2).
• Working experience with Python, AutoCAD, Fusion/Inventor or similar CAD, analysis tools and plotting tools.
• Strong grounding in compressible flow, thermodynamics and heat transfer as applied to high-pressure gas and cryogenic systems.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualise, design, analyse and realise gas systems of the lower and upper methalox stages: propellant tank pressurisation, vent and relief, RCS, ullage thrusters, umbilical connections, purge/inerting and pneumatic supply.
• Run system analyses: pressurant budgets, ullage collapse, line and orifice sizing, blowdown, pressure transients, relief capacity, etc.
• Own each system end to end: component specification, realisation, integration/assembly, hardware acceptance, testing and qualification, operations planning and documentation.
• Create the system P&IDs, CAD models and drawings for manufacturing and integration; keep them updated with every change through revision control, ECR/ECO change control, NCR dispositions and as-built traceability.
• Define and control interfaces (ICDs) with the engine, stage structures, avionics and ground systems.
• Plan and define processes, tests, servicing operations, sequencing and chronology; prepare design, test and flight reports.
• Support stage and static-fire tests, launch campaigns and post-test activities.
• Analyse test data and feed the learning back into design, procedures and models.
• Build the qualification and flight-clearance evidence for each system and present it for programme review and approval.

Skills

Gas systems design

Python

AutoCAD

Fusion/Inventor

Thermodynamics

Cryogenic propulsion knowledge

Education

Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering degree

Tools

Analysis tools

Plotting tools

Job description

Propulsion Engineer (Stage Pneumatic 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

• Conceptualise, design, analyse and realise the gas systems of the lower and upper methalox stages: propellant tank pressurisation, vent and relief, RCS, ullage thrusters, umbilical connections, purge/inerting and pneumatic supply.


• Run system analyses: pressurant budgets, ullage collapse, line and orifice sizing, blowdown, pressure transients, relief capacity, etc.


• Own each system end to end: component specification, realisation, integration/assembly, hardware acceptance, testing and qualification, operations planning and documentation.


• Create the system P&IDs, CAD models and drawings for manufacturing and integration; keep them updated with every change through revision control, ECR/ECO change control, NCR dispositions and as-built traceability.


• Define and control interfaces (ICDs) with the engine, stage structures, avionics and ground systems.


• Plan and define processes, tests, servicing operations, sequencing and chronology; prepare design, test and flight reports.


• Support stage and static-fire tests, launch campaigns and post-test activities.


• Analyse test data and feed the learning back into design, procedures and models.


• Build the qualification and flight-clearance evidence for each system and present it for programme review and approval.

BASIC QUALIFICATION

• B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech/M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.


• Min. 4+ years in design and testing of launch vehicle or spacecraft fluid systems.


• Hands‑on experience with gas/fluid systems hardware.


• Experience with cryogenic propulsion hardware (LOX, LCH4 or LH2).


• Working experience with Python, AutoCAD, Fusion/Inventor or similar CAD, analysis tools and plotting tools.


• Strong grounding in compressible flow, thermodynamics and heat transfer as applied to high‑pressure gas and cryogenic systems.

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Prior experience on similar stage gas systems and hardware.


• Autogenous and stored‑gas (helium/nitrogen) pressurisation; COPVs, regulators, relief/check/solenoid valves and quick disconnects.


• Cold‑gas or hot‑gas RCS and ullage/settling thrusters for upper‑stage restart.


• Fluid‑network simulation and NIST REFPROP or CoolProp.


• Proof, leak and functional testing; familiarity with pressure‑system standards.


• Propellant‑service cleaning and compatibility.


• Hazard analysis for oxygen, methane and stored‑energy systems.


• Test‑stand or launch‑pad operations with high‑pressure and cryogenic systems.


• First‑article inspection and aerospace quality‑system experience.

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?

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.