
Propulsion Engineer
Job Description
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.
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
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.
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Job Details
- Department
- Mechanical
- Category
- Mechanical
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Location
- San Francisco, California, United States
- Posted
- Apr 21, 2026, 07:11 PM
- Listed
- Apr 21, 2026, 07:11 PM
- Compensation
- $100,000 - $165,000 per year
About Astranis
Part of the growing space & AI ecosystem pushing the frontiers of technology.
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