Senior Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer

Astranis Space Technologies Corp.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity and benefits

On-site catered meals

401(k) retirement plan

Healthcare coverage

Job summary

Astranis Space Technologies Corp. is seeking a Senior Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer to lead the propulsion subsystem production for high‑orbit satellites.

You will design and source tooling, build the necessary infrastructure, and develop robust manufacturing processes to meet demanding standards. You will collaborate across teams to ensure on‑time delivery and quality while contributing to hiring efforts for a rapidly growing organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in a technical discipline (engineering, physics).
• 5+ years of propulsion/space vehicles/high-precision welding experience.
• Proficiency in CAD and demonstrated delivery of designed components.
• Hands-on manufacturing passion with fast-paced environment.
• Experience personally managing advanced manufacturing products.

Responsibilities

• Manage production of a propulsion subsystem, including an advanced welded assembly.
• Design, build, or source tooling and equipment for propulsion components and subsystems.
• Build the factory that constructs satellites and manage infrastructure upgrades.
• Develop manufacturing processes meeting internal and external standards.
• Collaborate with other teams to deliver subsystem on time and to quality.
• Assist in recruiting and hiring additional teammates for the growing team.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Propulsion / space vehicles experience

Welding / fabrication

On-site manufacturing

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in engineering/physics

Tools

MES

ERP

GD&T expertise

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 $1.2 billion from some of the world's best investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Baillie Gifford, Blackrock, Fidelity, Franklin Templeton, and Snowpoint, and employs a team of 500 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.

Senior Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer

As a Senior Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer, you will oversee the production of the propulsion subsystem for high-orbit satellites. You will be responsible for the production of advanced 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. Successful candidates will have a proven history of delivering on complex engineering projects with minimal oversight.

Role

• Manage the production of a propulsion subsystem, including an advanced welded assembly, for use in a high-orbit satellite application
• Design and build, or source, all tooling and equipment necessary to build propulsion components and assemble advanced 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)
• 5+ years of industry experience in propulsion, space vehicles, or high-precision welding
• Highly Proficient in Computer Aided Design (CAD), and proven experience delivering products that you've personally designed and built
• A passion for manufacturing, including working in a fast-paced environment and doing hands-on design/ development
• Demonstrated ability of personally managing advanced manufacturing products
• Must be onsite 5 days a week

Bonus

• Direct experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Weld Engineering, or Integration Engineering roles
• Direct experience with Robotic Welding, Automated Welding, or Orbital Tube Welding equipment
• Specific experience manufacturing, testing, or designing precision welded assemblies, electric propulsion systems, or chemical space propulsion systems
• 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

$145,000—$185,000 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 products are built for everyone, regardless of gender, race, creed, or background. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we invite all people to join our team and bring their unique perspectives to make us stronger.