Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

Astranis•575 20th Street, Historic Pier 70, San Francisco, CA 94107, US• Full Time

Posted 2 months ago• Mechanical• Mechanical

Compensation

$150,000–$175,000/year

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.

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 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.

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.