Associate Scientist - Propulsion (Monopropellant)
Posted
We are looking for an Associate Propulsion Engineer to support the design, development, testing, and productization of mono-propellant propulsion systems for aerospace and space applications. The role involves research, experimentation, hardware development, system integration, testing, data analysis, and technical documentation.
Qualifications:
- B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
- 2+ years of experience in propulsion system design, testing, and hands-on hardware development.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in the research, design, and development of mono-propellant propulsion systems and associated components such as injectors, catalyst beds, feed systems, valves, and thrusters.
- Support propulsion architecture development, component selection, performance evaluation, and design iteration.
- Conduct literature reviews and experimental studies related to propellant decomposition, catalysis, thermal behavior, and propulsion performance.
- Plan and execute component and system-level testing, including cold-flow, catalyst/decomposition, thermal, and hot-fire tests.
- Support prototype development, assembly, integration, checkout, and testing of propulsion hardware.
- Perform instrumentation setup, sensor integration, calibration, test execution, and troubleshooting.
- Perform post-processing and analysis of test data and correlate experimental results with engineering calculations.
- Support propulsion test-stand development and improvement, including fluid systems, instrumentation, and control systems.
- Coordinate with manufacturing and multidisciplinary teams for fabrication, inspection, integration, and product development.
- Prepare and maintain test procedures, reports and documentation.
- Follow applicable laboratory, propellant handling, and pressure-system safety procedures.
Requirements
- Sound understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, gas dynamics, heat transfer, and rocket propulsion fundamentals.
- Experience with monopropellant propulsion, injector design, catalyst beds, and feed-system architecture.
- Working knowledge of propellant decomposition, catalytic systems, and thermal processes.
- Experience with engine plumbing and P&ID development/interpretation.
- Hands-on experience with fluid systems, valves, regulators, sensors, and pressurized systems.
- Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks) and engineering calculations.
- Understanding of propulsion performance analysis and experimental data interpretation.
- Exposure to manufacturing and integration of propulsion hardware.
- Experience preparing test plans, procedures, checklists, and technical reports.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and multidisciplinary collaboration skills.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with monopropellants and catalyst systems.
- Basic understanding of CFD and engineering simulation tools.
- Familiarity with LabVIEW or equivalent DAQ/test software.
- Working knowledge of Python or MATLAB for test-data post-processing and analysis.
- Experience with thrust measurement, propulsion instrumentation, and automated test systems.
- Knowledge of reaction kinetics, catalytic decomposition, or thermal analysis.