Propulsion Engineer - Test
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.
Propulsion Engineer - Test
As our Propulsion Engineer - Test, you will oversee propulsion component and system level test plan definition, test equipment design & build, and testing itself. A primary goal for this position is to increase the level of automation used in propulsion testing. You will work cross-functionally to ensure stakeholder and industry requirements are met while also considering cost and schedule implications of testing.
Role
- Design, build, test, and qualify tests and test equipment for Astranis propulsion systems
- All this with a focus on automation of tests and test equipment
- 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 being familiar with industry and Range Safety standards and requirements
- A passion for testing, including 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
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.