Principal Propulsion Engineer

Astrobotic Technology • Mojave, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Astrobotic is at the forefront of advancing space exploration and technology development. Our expertise spans from lunar rovers, landers, and infrastructure to spacecraft navigation, machine vision, and computing systems for in-space robotic applications. To date, the company has been contracted for two lunar missions, and has won more than 60 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Defense (DoD), and commercial technology contracts worth more than $600 million. We recently launched and operated the first American lunar lander mission since the Apollo Program. Beyond helping lead America back to the Moon, Astrobotic developed and operates reusable vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) rockets and continues to advance next-generation VTVL capabilities and advanced rocket engines. Established in 2007, Astrobotic is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with a propulsion and test campus in Mojave, CA. This position will help lead the technical development and evolution of Astrobotic’s portfolio of VTVL propulsion technologies and testing capabilities. This position requires significant propulsion system design and analysis as well as extensive hands-on prototyping and testing experience, ideally including engine testing and flight operations. Significant experience with bi-propellant cryogenic propulsion systems is required. This position is part of the propulsion team located in Mojave, CA and will collaborate with the spacecraft propulsion team located in Pittsburgh, PA.

Requirements

• Experience (8+ years) with cryogenic propulsion systems design and testing
• Taken propulsion system components through the entire development and test lifecycle, preferably as a Responsible Engineer or team lead
• Experience with turbo-pump engine cycles and integration with combustion devices
• Experience in propulsion system design, analysis, manufacture, integration, and test
• Knowledge of propulsion system cycles and performing system-level engine modeling
• NASA propulsion and fluid system design and analysis software (GFSSP, ROCETS, ROCCID)
• Solid modeling and design (Solidworks)
• Awareness of regulatory safety requirements (e.g., OSHA, FAA)
• Great attitude in the face of technical challenges

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Methane & LOX propulsion systems
• Experience leveraging additive manufacturing in engine design
• Analytical/scientific programming (Python, C/C++, Matlab)
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (Ansys FLUENT), including conjugate heat transfer
• Thermal design and analysis using system level and 3D modeling tools (Ansys)
• Hands-on fabrication skills and a willingness to be hands-on with pathfinder hardware
• Familiarity with explosive hazard calculations
• Familiarity with aerospace quality management systems and certifications, primarily AS9100
• Fortran programming language
• Test facility design, assembly, and operation

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the design and test of new propulsion systems
• Create conceptual and detailed designs of cryogenic propulsion systems including turbomachinery, combustion devices, valves, propellant feed systems, tanks, and pressurization systems.
• Develop test plans and execute tests for component and integrated system testing.
• Own all aspects of the integrated main engine system to incorporate it into the flight vehicle architecture.
• Work closely with Chief Engineering Office on technical alignment of propulsion designs with future vehicle or lander architectures.
• Build and execute propulsion system fluid-thermal models to guide design and operational decisions.
• Develop component and assembly specifications, fabrication and assembly schematics and procedures for engines and GSE.
• Contribute to technical readiness and safety reviews for testing activities.
• Create work scopes and estimate labor and material cost requirements to support project management.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Healthcare Benefits : Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Financial Protection : Company-paid life insurance and AD&D, short- and long-term disability coverage, plus voluntary life and supplemental insurance options
• Tax-Advantaged Accounts : Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan : Immediate vesting with company match
• Work-Life Balance : Flexible Paid Time Off and company-paid holidays
• Well-Being Support : Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling, mental health resources, and will preparation services
• Additional Voluntary Benefits : Accident and hospital indemnity coverage, as well as pet insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: No Education Listed