Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer

Astranis Space Technologies; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Company-subsidized healthcare

Flexible PTO

Free on-site catered meals

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in San Francisco is seeking a Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer to oversee the production of propulsion subsystems for satellites. The role requires managing tooling design and developing rigorous manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will hold a technical degree and have over 3 years of experience in propulsion or high-precision manufacturing. This position offers a competitive salary between $115,000 and $145,000, along with comprehensive benefits and equity options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in a technical discipline.
• 3+ years of industry experience in propulsion or space vehicles.
• Proficiency in Computer Aided Design (CAD).
• Ability to manage the construction of complex hardware.
• Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the production of a propulsion subsystem for satellites.
• Design and build tooling and equipment for propulsion components.
• Develop manufacturing processes that meet rigorous standards.
• Work closely with teams for timely delivery of the subsystem.
• Assist in recruitment for a growing team.

Skills

Propulsion engineering

High-precision welding

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Manufacturing processes

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Physics

Tools

Manufacturing Engineering Software (MES)

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Job description

• Deep knowledge in Machining, Welding, or Fixture/ Tool & Die design

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.

Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer

As a Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer, you will oversee the production of the propulsion subsystem for high‑orbit satellites. You will be responsible for the production of propulsion components, getting them assembled into a subsystem, and integrating that subsystem onto the vehicle. This is a highly cross‑functional role that will require you to meet stakeholder and industry requirements while hitting aggressive cost and schedule requirements.

Role

• Manage the production of a propulsion subsystem for use in a high‑orbit satellite application
• Design and build, or source, all tooling and equipment necessary to build propulsion components and assemble propulsion subsystems
• Build the factory that builds satellites – manage complex infrastructure targets to upgrade and maintain our capabilities
• Develop manufacturing processes that meet rigorous internal and external standards
• Work closely with other teams to deliver your subsystem on time and at our expected quality
• 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 in propulsion, space vehicles, or high‑precision welding
• Proficiency in Computer Aided Design (CAD), and building hardware of your own design
• A passion for manufacturing, including working in a fast‑paced environment and doing hands‑on design/ development
• Demonstrated ability of personally managing the construction of complex hardware
• Must be onsite 5 days a week

Bonus

• Direct experience in propulsion or aerospace welding engineering
• Specific experience manufacturing, testing, or designing electric propulsion or chemical space propulsion
• Deep knowledge in Machining, Welding, or Fixture/ Tool & Die design
• Experience with Manufacturing Engineering Software (MES) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
• Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Familiarity with reading and interpreting industry standards and specifications (AWS D17.1, MIL‑STDs, AS/NAS component specifications)
• Familiarity with Pressurized Systems operation and construction
• Familiarity with Reliability and Mission Assurance best practices

What we offer

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.

Base Salary

$115,000—$145,000 USD

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))

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.