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.

This position will be involved in development and evolution of Astrobotic’s portfolio of propulsion testing capabilities, including active involvement in engine and flight test campaigns, test stand development and operations, and test infrastructure maintenance and improvements. Applicants should have a background in propulsion system testing or flight operations. Experience with cryogenic rocket propulsion systems and hazardous test operations is desired.    

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 system, including implementation of test article instrumentation, valve hardware and control logic, and perform checkout of systems prior to testing. 
• Experience in instrumentation, telemetry or network engineering to support real time recording of test data. 
• 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   
• Provide input to ground support equipment design and operations    
• Potential lifecycle and operations management responsibilities for one or more test stands   

Required Skills & Qualifications: 

• Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, C/C++, and/or Matlab)   
• Hands-on troubleshooting and setup of test instrumentation throughout an entire test campaign 
• Experience Labview data acquisition
• An eye for safety before and during test and flight operations  
• Hands-on fabrication & Testing Experience  
• Experience with, and understanding of, instrumentation, wiring, data acquisition hardware, tools, and techniques   
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical field, or equivalent experience.
• Excellent communications skills   
• Strong work ethic & intrinsic self-motivation  

Desired Skills & Qualifications: 

• Thorough understanding of, and hands-on experience with, cryogenic propulsion systems   
• Experience with fluid system components in cryogenic service   
• Awareness of regulatory safety requirements (e.g., OSHA, FAA)   
• 3-5 years’ experience in aerospace engineering   
• 2+ years in propulsion test for rockets or equivalent   
• Experience with startups or new space companies 

Note: this position may be filled at multiple levels

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 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.