Head of Propulsion Development

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

Astrobotic is enabling sustainable access and utilization of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Through the recent acquisition of Masten Space Systems, we’ve been building and flying reusable rockets for nearly two decades with the most successful rocket-powered landings in the industry. We work directly with NASA, defense, and commercial customers to develop the tech it takes to break down the barriers to space. Together, we’ll make wild napkin ideas possible by taking them from the lab to the test site, all the way to the lunar surface and beyond.

This position will lead the technical development and evolution of Astrobotic’s portfolio of 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 cryogenic propulsion systems required.

Job Responsibilities:

Primary technical and management lead for propulsion systems development and test for Astrobotic’s VTVL flight vehicle developments, leading diverse teams through development of new engine development programs across full engine lifecycles

Manage testing of new propulsion systems, including development and entry to service of any testing facilities required, development of test procedures and checklists, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory regimes.

Have a deep understanding of the systems engineering approach and requirements-based design, ensuring optimization for performance across demanding mission profiles, design for manufacturability, ease of serviceability, and market-leading reusability.

Work closely with P&T Chief Engineer on technical alignment of propulsion designs with future vehicle or lander architectures

Interface with multi-disciplinary vehicle development team and integrate propulsion systems into larger system architectures.

Personnel management and mentorship for propulsion and prop test team members and other employees as relevant within matrixed project activities.

Own accountability of propulsion engineering readiness for ECR, component level gated review, and system level gated review approvals.

Deliver conceptual and detailed design and test of Cryo propulsion systems including all combustion devices, valves, propellant feed systems, tanks, turbomachinery, and pressurization systems.

Serve as the technical lead for internal R&D discussions on the development of new cryogenic and monoprop propulsion systems.

Ensure configuration control is established and managed correctly across propulsion system engineering, driving baseline changes implementation via a robust engineering change process, and maintaining product traceability.

Develop and manage technical baseline and execute to cost and schedule baselines, bringing a familiarity with scheduling estimating tools and methodologies

Effective people and process management, particularly an ability to understand and read team member well-being in a high-pressure test environment

Serving as test support for component and integrated system testing, potentially including Xogdor and Xodiac flight vehicles

Developing or managing the development of component and assembly specifications, fabrication and assembly schematics and procedures for engines and GSE, and running component testing

Contribute to technical and safety reviews for flight vehicles and propulsion test stands

Provide technical guidance to fabricators and technicians

Identify resource needs and contribute to recruiting efforts to build the Astrobotic P&T team

Support project management by providing task lists and task dependencies, estimating labor and material cost requirements

Other duties as assigned

Required Skills & Qualifications

Great attitude in the face of technical challenges

Hands-on project experience with fluid and mechanical systems, preferably as a team or sub-team lead

Extensive experience in propulsion system design, analysis, manufacture, integration, test, and flight operations

Experience with systems engineering approach and holding engineering team accountable for requirements-based definition

Experience using CAD to design parts/assemblies

Experience developing hardware from concept to working prototypes

Experience safely testing with and handling hazardous materials especially cryogens and high pressure gas

Experience chairing, participating, or presenting to Program Change Control Boards, Engineering Review Boards, and Fracture Control Boards

Knowledge of the common propulsion system cycles and their benefits and nuances, and performing system-level engine modeling

Experience with cryogenic and supercritical fluid behavior

Conjugate heat transfer analysis experience with high heat flux heat exchangers

Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, C/C++, and/or Matlab)

Awareness of regulatory safety requirements (e.g., OSHA, FAA)

Familiarity with aerospace quality management systems and certifications, primarily AS9100

Hands-on fabrication skills and a willingness to be hands-on with pathfinder hardware

Openness to learning and mentoring on Astrobotic design and test philosophies from existing team

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

Experience leveraging additive manufacturing in engine design

Experience with design and/or test of hypergolic propellant propulsion systems

Familiarity with explosive hazard calculations

Fortran programming language

Solidworks CAD

FLUENT CFD

NASA propulsion and fluid system design and analysis software

Design of the ground support equipment (GSE) and tooling for engine manufacturing, testing,

Design, construction, and commissioning of test facilities

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.

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