Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

Astrobotic is at the forefront of advancing space exploration and technology development. Our expertise spans from lunar rovers, landers, and infrastructure to spacecraft navigation, machine vision, and computing systems for in-space robotic applications. To date, the company has been contracted for two lunar missions, and has won more than 60 NASA, DoD, and commercial technology contracts worth more than $600 million.

We recently launched and operated the first American lunar lander mission since the Apollo Program. Beyond helping lead America back to the Moon, Astrobotic developed and operates reusable vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) rockets and continues to advance next-generation VTVL capabilities and advanced rocket engines. Established in 2007, Astrobotic is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with a propulsion and test campus in Mojave, CA.

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 .