Propulsion Engineer

San Francisco

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 (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
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

$100,000 - $165,000 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.

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