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Senior Propulsion Test 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.

Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

As a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer at Astranis 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

  • Manage facility projects to build infrastructure to support propulsion test requirements

  • Design and build flight-like system level testbeds

  • Develop and execute component and system level test plans

  • Work cross functionally with design and software teams to ensure all components are tested in a flight-like way

  • Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring additional teammates to our rapidly-growing team

  • Train propulsion test specialists and technicians to use test equipment

Requirements:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in a technical discipline (e.g. engineering, physics)

  • 5+ years of industry experience with propulsion system testing

    • Including being familiar with industry standards

  • 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

  • Experience with reading and writing technical standards and test plans

  • Must be onsite 5 days a week

Bonus:

  • Demonstrated experience in designing, testing, and operating spacecraft propulsion systems

  • Specific experience with electric propulsion or monopropulsion systems

  • Experience with Python, C++, and or Git

  • Familiarity with AFSPCMAN 91-710 and other Range Safety documentation and requirements

  • Familiarity with propellant material compatibility

  • Familiarity with weld and weld inspection standards and best practices

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

$150,000 - $175,000 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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