Senior Propulsion Test Engineer
Astrobotic Technology
Astrobotic Technology, Inc. is a space robotics company that seeks to make space accessible to the world. The company’s suite of lunar landers delivers payloads to the Moon for companies, governments, universities, non-profits, and individuals. The company is also developing advanced space robotics capabilities such as terrain relative navigation, mobile robotics for lunar surface operations, and reliable computing systems for mission-critical applications. Originally spun out of Carnegie Mellon University in 2007, Astrobotic is pioneering affordable planetary access that promises to spark a new era of exploration, science, tourism, resource utilization, and mining. Astrobotic’s headquarters is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a second location in Mojave, California.
This position will be involved in development and evolution of Astrobotic’s portfolio of propulsion testing capabilities, including active involvement in engine and flight test campaigns, test stand development and operations, and test infrastructure maintenance and improvements. Applicants should have a background in propulsion system testing or flight operations. Experience with cryo propulsion systems and hazardous test operations required
Job Responsibilities:
- Key team member for all Mojave test operations, including but not limited to stand-alone engine testing, integrated engine and prop system testing, and flight vehicle testing
- Support design, fabrication, operation, maintenance, and repair of test stands (currently ranging from 100lbf to 25,000lbf)
- Develop and maintain engine test stand control and DAQ systems
- Work closely with the systems team to create test procedures for novel new vehicles and engines to confirm requirements are met
- Ensure safe and successful test activities in a variety of environments
- Assist in developing and implementing test stand and flight vehicle maintenance plans and processes
- Assist in training new team members in test procedures and flight operations
- Provide input to ground support equipment design and operations
- Potential lifecycle and operations management responsibilities for one or more test stands
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Thorough understanding of, and hands-on experience with, cryogenic propulsion systems
- Experience safely testing with and handling hazardous materials (cryogens, high pressure gas, etc.)
- An eye for safety before and during test and flight operations
- Ability to predict potential testing issues and prevent them
- Hands-on fabrication & Testing Experience
- Combustion analysis & tools (e.g., CEA)
- Experience with, and understanding of, instrumentation and data acquisition hardware, tools, and techniques
- Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, C/C++, and/or Matlab)
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical field
- Excellent communications skills
- strong work ethic and intrinsic self-motivation
Desired Skills & Qualifications:
- Experience with fluid system components in cryogenic service
- Experience with Dewesoft and/or Labview data acquisition
- Awareness of regulatory safety requirements (e.g., OSHA, FAA)
- 3-5 years experience in aerospace engineering
- 2+ years in propulsion design and/or test for rockets or equivalent
- Experience with startups or new space companies
The base salary range represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for this position. The actual base salary offered for this position will depend on numerous factors including individual performance, business objectives, and the candidates professional experience. Base salary is just one component of Astrobotic’s competitive total rewards strategy.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Astrobotic Technology, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to contact@astrobotic.com.
