About the Role
Senior Propulsion Test Engineer
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.
About the Company
Astranis
Working at Astranis offers the opportunity to be part of a team that is solving some of the most challenging engineering problems in the space industry, such as building resilient satellites capable of withstanding the harsh radiation environment of high orbits. The company is headquartered at Historic Pier 70 in California, where it handles all aspects of satellite development in-house, from design and manufacturing to testing and operations. Employees at Astranis contribute to projects that have a global impact, enhancing communications, navigation, and security for both commercial and government clients, while being part of a mission-driven organization at the forefront of space innovation.