Turbopumps (Centrifugal Pumps) - Propulsion Engineer
Summary
Design and test centrifugal pumps for cryogenic rocket engines, modeling fluid dynamics and rotordynamics to optimize performance and durability in a fast-moving aerospace startup.
Agnikul Cosmos is a company incubated at IIT Madras and we build rockets that can take satellites up to 500 kg to Lower Earth Orbit (LEO). In May 2024, we successfully completed our maiden launch from our own launchpad (India's first private launchpad). The launch has proven all the new technologies developed by Agnikul and also earned recognition from Honourable Prime Minister of India.
Design and develop centrifugal pumps for cryogenic rocket propulsion systems.
Perform hydraulic sizing and optimize impeller, inducer, diffuser and volute geometries.
Develop analytical and numerical models for predicting pump head, efficiency, cavitation margin, suction performance and operating envelope.
Design rotating assemblies including shafts, bearings, seals, balance devices and supporting structures.
Perform structural, thermal and rotordynamic analyses of rotating components.
Conduct cavitation, NPSH and transient flow analyses.
Work closely with engine system engineers to optimize overall propulsion system performance.
Generate manufacturing drawings with appropriate GD&T practices.
Interface with manufacturing teams to realize precision hardware.
Support component assembly, instrumentation and development testing.
Analyze test data, identify failure mechanisms and rapidly iterate designs.
Develop in-house tools for turbopump sizing, performance prediction and optimization.
Participate in design reviews, risk assessments and qualification activities.
Own hardware from concept through successful test demonstration.
Requirements
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related discipline.
1–5 years of experience in turbomachinery, pumps, compressors, turbochargers or rotating equipment.
Strong fundamentals in:
Fluid Mechanics
Thermodynamics
Heat Transfer
Machine Design
Rotordynamics
Mechanical Vibrations
Experience with 3D CAD tools
Ability to perform engineering calculations independently.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced hardware development environment.
Cryogenic fluid systems
Rocket propulsion or aerospace turbomachinery
High-speed centrifugal pumps
Inducer design
Cavitation prediction and mitigation
Pump performance testing
Rotor-bearing system design
Mechanical seals and labyrinth seals
OpenFOAM
MATLAB / Python
Finite Element Analysis
CFD for internal flows
Design optimization techniques
Instrumentation and experimental testing
Additive manufacturing for turbomachinery components
Hands-on experience building and testing hardware is considered a significant advantage.