Propulsion Engineer - Test

Astranis; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity and robust benefits

Company-subsidized healthcare

401(k) retirement planning

Flexible PTO

Free on-site catered meals

Job summary

Astranis is seeking a qualified candidate for a role focused on designing and testing propulsion systems at its San Francisco headquarters. The ideal applicant will have a Bachelor of Science in a technical discipline and 3+ years in propulsion system testing.

This position offers a competitive salary between $125,000 - $170,000, equity options, and excellent benefits including health insurance and flexible PTO. Prospective candidates must be onsite 5 days a week and meet U.S. citizenship eligibility requirements.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of industry experience with propulsion system testing.
• Ability to design and build hardware from scratch.
• Passion for testing and hands-on design.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, test, and qualify propulsion systems.
• Perform system level design and analysis.
• Develop and execute test plans.

Skills

Design, build, and test hardware

Testing in fast-paced environment

Proficiency in Python (NumPy, SciPy)

Experience with C++

Familiarity with industry standards

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in a technical discipline

Tools

Test equipment

Automation tools

Git

Job description

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly sophisticated customers across the globe—large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts.

Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization. Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world’s best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.

Role

• Design, build, test, and qualify tests and test equipment for Astranis propulsion systems, focusing on automation.
• Perform component and system level design, analysis, and trade studies for test equipment.
• Develop and execute component and system level test plans.
• Work closely with other teams to complete tasks.
• Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring additional teammates to our rapidly‑growing team.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in a technical discipline (e.g., engineering, physics).
• 3+ years of industry experience with propulsion system testing, including familiarity with industry and Range Safety standards and requirements.
• A passion for testing, working in a fast‑paced environment, and doing hands‑on design/development.
• Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test hardware from scratch.
• Must be onsite 5 days a week.

Bonus

• Demonstrated experience in designing, testing, and operating spacecraft propulsion systems.
• Specific experience with low thrust monopropellant and green monopropellant systems.
• Experience with propulsion system process development, including manifold manufacturing and welding.
• Experience with Python (NumPy, SciPy), C++, and Git.
• Familiarity with reading and writing technical standards.
• Familiarity with propellant material compatibility.
• Familiarity with weld and weld inspection standards and best practices.

Benefits

All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.

Base pay is just one component of Astranis’s total rewards package. Your compensation also includes a significant equity package via incentive stock options, high‑quality company‑subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement planning, flexible PTO, and free on‑site catered meals.

Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional‑grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.

$125,000 - $170,000 USD

Citizenship and Eligibility

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required.

(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Equal Employment Opportunity

Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.

As set forth in Astranis’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.