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ABOUT ASTROBASE SPACE TECHNOLOGIES
Astrobase is a pioneering spacetech startup founded by prominent Senior ISRO scientists and IIT Bombay alumni with over 20 years of experience in designing, manufacturing, testing and flying advanced Cryogenic Launch Vehicles. Driven by a vision to make India a Space tech powerhouse, we are developing innovative launch vehicles that will transform space exploration. At Astrobase, you’ll be part of a team creating history in the Indian space industry. Our goal is to become the first private space company from India to land on the moon economically.
ROLE OVERVIEW:
We are seeking a motivated Junior Component Design Engineer to support the design, development, analysis, and testing of mechanical components for cryogenic rocket engines, propulsion systems, and launch vehicles.
The role involves working on fluid-control and mechanical components, including cryogenic valves, isolation and shutdown valves, control valves, pressure regulators, check valves, fluid connectors, and associated mechanisms operating under high-pressure and extreme-temperature conditions.
The candidate will work closely with senior design engineers and cross-functional teams to develop 3D models, prepare manufacturing drawings, perform basic engineering calculations, support material selection, coordinate with manufacturing and assembly teams, and participate in component testing and troubleshooting.
The position offers an opportunity to develop practical expertise in aerospace component design, cryogenic engineering, precision manufacturing, and propulsion hardware development.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Component Design & Development
• Support the design and development of mechanical components for cryogenic rocket
engines, propulsion feed systems, and launch vehicles.
• Assist in designing and detailing:
o Solenoid-operated valves (SOVs), shutdown valves, and isolation valves.
o Proportional and modulating control valves.
o Pressure regulators, check valves, and non-return valves.
o Fluid connectors and quick-disconnect couplings.
o Pistons, actuators, springs, bellows, seals, and associated mechanisms.
• Create and modify 3D CAD models, 2D manufacturing drawings, and assembly drawings under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Develop component layouts, interface details, installation envelopes, and dimensional specifications based on approved requirements.
• Support design iterations to improve component performance, weight, packaging, manufacturability, and ease of assembly.
• Incorporate design review comments and maintain updated engineering models and drawings.
B. Engineering Calculations & Design Verification
• Perform basic mechanical engineering calculations for pressure containment, structural strength, stress, deflection, spring loads, actuation forces, and sealing arrangements.
• Assist in evaluating flow passages, effective flow areas, pressure drop, and valve operating characteristics.
• Support thermal and cryogenic design assessments, including thermal contraction, material compatibility, and clearance requirements.
• Perform dimensional calculations, tolerance stack-up analysis, and basic GD&T interpretation.
• Assist senior engineers in preparing and reviewing Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and thermal analysis results.
• Verify design dimensions, interfaces, and calculations against approved requirements and engineering specifications.
• Maintain calculation sheets and record assumptions, inputs, results, and references for design reviews.
C. Materials, Seals & Manufacturing Support
• Assist in identifying suitable engineering materials for high-pressure, cryogenic, oxidizer, fuel, and hot-gas applications.
• Develop an understanding of metallic and non-metallic sealing solutions, including O-rings, spring-energized seals, polymer seats, metal seals, and bellows.
• Support the preparation of material specifications, surface finish requirements, tolerances, heat treatment requirements, and manufacturing notes.
• Coordinate with manufacturing teams on machining feasibility, component inspection, assembly clearances, and drawing interpretation.
• Support Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) reviews.
• Assist in resolving manufacturing deviations, dimensional non-conformances, assembly difficulties, and design-related issues.
• Review supplier drawings and technical documents under the supervision of senior engineers.
D. Testing, Validation & Troubleshooting
• Support the preparation of component test procedures, test setups, inspection checklists, and acceptance criteria.
• Participate in hydrostatic, pneumatic, proof-pressure, leakage, functional, flow, and actuation tests, as applicable.
• Assist in cryogenic testing, thermal cycling, and other qualification activities as required.
• Record test observations, operating parameters, leakage results, and functional performance data.
• Support the analysis of test results and assist in identifying probable failure causes.
• Track test-related issues, document observations, and support corrective actions and design modifications.
• Ensure that testing activities and engineering records follow approved procedures and applicable safety requirements.
E. New Product Development & Project Support
• Support component development activities from concept design through prototype manufacturing, assembly, testing, and production release.
• Coordinate with design, systems engineering, manufacturing, assembly, testing, quality, and procurement teams for assigned activities.
• Assist in preparing engineering schedules, tracking design deliverables, and monitoring component development progress.
• Support procurement by preparing technical specifications, BOMs, supplier drawings, and material and inspection documentation.
• Follow up on assigned engineering actions, supplier inputs, and manufacturing requirements.
• Maintain drawing revisions, engineering change records, and approved design data under established configuration-control procedures.
• Support prototype builds, pilot production, engine integration, and resolution of hardware issues during testing.
F. Technical Documentation & Compliance
• Prepare and maintain 3D models, 2D drawings, BOMs, engineering calculations, material specifications, and inspection requirements.
• Assist in preparing design reports, test reports, component specifications, and design review presentations.
• Maintain traceability between approved requirements, design data, calculations, drawings, and test results.
• Follow applicable company procedures, engineering standards, quality requirements, and document-control practices.
• Participate in design reviews and incorporate approved technical feedback.
• Maintain organized engineering records and contribute to design standardization and continuous improvement.
Required Skills & Experience
• B.E./B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent engineering discipline.
• 1–6 years of experience in mechanical design, product development, CAD modelling, or a related engineering field. Fresh graduates with strong fundamentals may also apply.
• Basic understanding of mechanical engineering principles, engineering materials, manufacturing processes, and machine design.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as Creo, Siemens NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, or equivalent.
• Ability to prepare and interpret 2D engineering drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and GD&T.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical design calculations, fits and clearances, springs, fasteners, and sealing arrangements.
• Familiarity with engineering documentation, BOM preparation, and drawing revision control.
• Willingness to work hands-on with manufacturing, assembly, inspection, and testing activities.
• Good analytical, problem-solving, documentation, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
• Academic project, internship, or work experience involving valves, fluid systems, pressure vessels, actuators, mechanisms, or precision mechanical components.
• Basic understanding of cryogenic fluids, high-pressure systems, thermal expansion, and material compatibility.
• Familiarity with liquid oxygen (LOX), liquid methane (LNG), liquid hydrogen (LH2), gaseous oxygen, helium, or other propulsion-system fluids.
• Exposure to FEA, CFD, thermal analysis, or engineering simulation tools.
• Familiarity with CNC machining, additive manufacturing, welding, brazing, and component assembly.
• Basic knowledge of material specifications, surface finishes, inspection methods, and manufacturing tolerances.
• Awareness of relevant ASME, ASTM, ISO, NASA, ECSS, and aerospace engineering standards will be added advantage.
• Exposure to prototype development, pressure testing, leakage testing, or laboratory testing will be added advantage.
Key Competencies
• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals and willingness to learn.
• Attention to detail in CAD modelling, drawings, calculations, and documentation.
• Logical and systematic approach to engineering problem-solving.
• Ability to understand technical requirements and translate them into practical design outputs.
• Hands-on attitude toward manufacturing, assembly, and testing.
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior engineers and cross-functional teams.
• Ownership of assigned tasks, timely communication, and adherence to schedules.
• Commitment to quality, safety, configuration control, and continuous improvement.
WHY WORK WITH US?
At Astrobase, we believe in the power of human ingenuity and collaboration to push the boundaries of space exploration. As a team member, you’ll be:
1. Creating History: Join us in developing cutting-edge launch vehicles, playing a pivotal role in transforming space access and shaping the future of space exploration.
2. Collaborating with Experts: Work alongside ISRO scientists and industry veterans with decades of experience in designing India’s iconic space missions like Chandrayaan 3
3. Growth Opportunities: As Astrobase scales, you’ll have the chance to take on leadership roles and be part of an expanding organization driving change in the Indian space sector.
4. Pioneering Space Technology: Your contributions will not only impact Astrobase but also influence the global space ecosystem. Be part of something larger than yourself.
