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Senior Propulsion Engineer

San Francisco

Astranis is on a mission to bridge the digital divide by connecting the four billion people worldwide who currently lack internet access. We're doing this by building the next generation of smaller, more cost-effective spacecraft to bring the world online. 

As a team, we’ve launched two satellites into orbit,  signed ten commercial deals worth over $1 billion in revenue, raised over $500 million from top global investors, and recruited a team of over 300 world-class engineers. We all work out of our (legendary) San Francisco office, which was once used to build ships during the World Wars.

Our satellites, which operate from geostationary orbit (GEO), weigh only 400 kg and utilize a proprietary software-defined radio payload. Each satellite can connect over two million people, and we’re very excited for the impact we’ll soon have in the Philippines, Peru, Mexico, and more! 

Backed by substantial funding and a passionate, collaborative team, we offer a rewarding work environment where you'll learn and make a significant impact, no matter where you are in your career. 

Apply and join us on our journey towards global connectivity!

Senior Propulsion Engineer 

As our Senior Propulsion Engineer you will be an asset in designing, building, and testing our propulsion system. You will use your experience to improve the performance of our design and to provide mentorship to younger engineers on the team. You will be a part of the production of many satellites that will provide service to underserved areas.

Role

  • Become a technical leader and help shape the future of propulsion systems at Astranis
  • Design, analyze, and document in space propulsion systems to meet existing and future mission requirements
  • Define how we fly and operate our spacecrafts for 10+ years
  • Define and execute on component through system level testing including test equipment design
  • Develop strong relationships with vendors, ensuring their hardware meets our flight requirements before arriving at the factory
  • Support assembly integration and test processes through launch including troubleshooting issues with spacecraft propulsion system
  • Work across teams to solve problems and meet goals in a highly collaborative work environment
  • Mentor entry level engineers and interns and support hiring initiatives

Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in a technical discipline (e.g. engineering, physics) or equivalent experience
  • 7 - 15 years of industry experience in a design and manufacture related role
  • Experience with 3D CAD, mechanical design, fabrication, and environmental qualification
  • Previous aerospace or similar product design and production experience (full product development cycle)
  • Hands-on experience working with fluid or gas feed systems
  • Working knowledge of in space electric and chemical propulsion systems

Bonus

  • Experience with fluid and gas system component design
  • Familiarity with AFSPCMAN 91-710 and other Range Safety documentation and requirements
  • Experience writing Python for scientific calculation and data processing
  • Specific experience with low thrust monopropellant, green monopropellant, and electric propulsion systems
What we offer: 
 
All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.
 
Base pay is a single component of Astranis's total rewards package, which may also include equity in the form of incentive stock options, high quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance benefits, flexible PTO, 401(K) retirement, 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

$140,000 - $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 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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