Propulsion Engineer

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 As a Propulsion Engineer at Astranis, you will design, evaluate, and test in-space propulsion components and systems. You must have a strong background in the fundamentals of propulsion, hands-on skills, and a desire to work on novel and challenging problems. Past experience with in-space propulsion, launch vehicles, or other fluid systems is a benefit but not required. Role Own the full lifecycle of fluid components from requirements definition all the way though on-orbit operation Design, test, integrate, and operate satellite propulsion systems with an emphasis on manufacturability and performance Support satellite propulsion system manufacturing, integration, and testing in a cleanroom and factory environment Develop and streamline design criteria to deliver flight hardware and test equipment Collaborate with cross-functional teammates, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, software, and manufacturing engineers Use strong physics and engineering fundamentals to inform high-level system analysis and understand interdependent system effects Requirements Bachelor of Science degree in a technical discipline (e.g. engineering, physics) 1-5+ years of professional industry experience in propulsion design and/or manufacturing related role A passion for manufacturing, including working in a fast-paced environment and doing hands-on design/ development. Hands-on experience working with fluid systems Working knowledge of electric and chemical propulsion systems Exceptional time management skills, verbal written communication skills, and organizational skills Bonus End-to-end project experience including design, test, build, and operation of complex systems or components Direct experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Weld Engineering, or Integration Engineering roles Direct experience with structural or fluid analysis tools (GFSSP, ANSYS, Fluent, etc) Specific experience manufacturing, testing, or designing precision welded assemblies, electric propulsion systems, or chemical space propulsion systems Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GDT) 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 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 th ... (truncated, view full listing at source)