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 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Defense (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.

This position will support the design and testing of Astrobotic's VTVL propulsion systems. This position will require propulsion system design and analysis as well as extensive hands-on prototyping and testing, including engine testing and flight operations. This position is part of the propulsion team located in Mojave, CA and will collaborate with the spacecraft propulsion team located in Pittsburgh, PA.

Job Responsibilities:

• Support the engineering team in the design and test of rocket propulsion systems
• Size components of propulsion systems including turbomachinery, combustion devices, valves, propellant feed systems, tanks, and pressurization systems
• Develop test plans, execute tests, and post-process results for component and system testing
• Perform trade studies using propulsion system fluid-thermal models to inform design and operations
• Create solid models of propulsion components for use in modeling or hardware fabrication
• Write technical reports and present to technical teams
• Support VTVL vehicle flight operations

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Experience (2+ years) in propulsion system design, analysis, manufacture, integration, and/or test
• Rocket test facility design, integration, and/or operation
• Aptitude with fluid/thermal modeling tools such as CFD or 1-D network models
• Solid modeling and design (SolidWorks preferred)
• Ability to design components or systems to meet requirements
• Awareness of regulatory safety requirements (e.g., OSHA, FAA)
• Teamwork and collaboration while multi-tasking in a small team
• Ability to self-start with minimal guidance
• Great attitude in the face of technical challenges

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

• M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Experience with cryogenic propulsion systems
• Experience leveraging additive manufacturing in engine design
• Analytical/scientific programming (Python, C/C++, MATLAB)
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (Ansys FLUENT), including conjugate heat transfer
• Thermal design and analysis using system level and 3D modeling tools (Ansys)
• Hands-on fabrication skills and a willingness to be hands-on with pathfinder hardware
• Familiarity with explosive hazard calculations
• Fortran programming language
• Rocket fuel handling equipment and operations
• Experience with rocket turbopumps
• Experience in pressure vessel design, fabrication, and/or qualification testing

Note: This position may be filled at multiple levels

Salary

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.

Benefits:

Benefits include Medical, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, voluntary life insurance, FSA Plans, 401k and open PTO.

Export Control Regulations:

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 or U.S. person which includes U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) including those individuals granted refugee or asylum status, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

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.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation:

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 contact@astrobotic.com.