Propulsion Engineering Manager at Astranis

San Francisco, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, Space Technology, Satellite CommunicationsIndustries

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree or higher in a technical discipline (e.g. engineering, physics) or equivalent experience
Proven leadership through project management, mentorship, and people management experience
7+ years of industry experience in a design and manufacture-related role
Previous aerospace or similar product design and production experience (full product development cycle)
Hands-on experience working with fluid or gas feed systems
Working knowledge of in-space electric and chemical propulsion systems
Exceptional time management skills, verbal & written communication skills, and organizational skills
An interest in working in a fast-paced environment and doing hands-on design/development

Responsibilities

Lead a team of Propulsion Engineers to design, test, and operate propulsion systems including hiring and managing direct reports
Oversee system design including architecture development, architecture trade studies, make/buy decisions, vendor selection, and supporting analysis
Act as a primary interface to other engineering disciplines, production, and mission operations
Ensure competitiveness through continuous technical innovation and industry expertise
Manage propulsion-related schedule and risk in partnership with the Program Management team
Hire and retain top-tier talent within the Propulsion Engineering team

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Propulsion EngineeringTeam LeadershipSystems ArchitectureTrade StudiesVendor ManagementRisk ManagementHardware DevelopmentQualification TestingProgram ManagementHiringSatellite Propulsion

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What are the key requirements for the Propulsion Engineering Manager role?

Candidates need a Bachelor's Degree or higher in a technical discipline, proven leadership experience, 7+ years in design and manufacture, aerospace product experience, hands-on work with fluid or gas feed systems, and knowledge of in-space propulsion systems.

Is a salary range provided for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this role remote or does it require working in an office?

The role is based at Astranis's 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA, suggesting an on-site presence for design, building, and operations.

What does the company say about its work environment?

Astranis operates in a fast-paced environment focused on hands-on design and development, with a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs building advanced satellites.

What makes a strong candidate for this position?

Strong candidates have proven leadership, 7+ years of relevant experience, hands-on propulsion system knowledge, and even if they don't meet all criteria, they should apply. Bonus points for geostationary satellite experience, fluid system design, Range Safety familiarity, and Python for calculations.

Astranis

Develops low-cost telecommunications satellites

About Astranis

Astranis develops and deploys spacecraft for Geostationary Orbit, focusing on providing internet connectivity to the 4 billion people worldwide without access. The company designs, manufactures, and operates low-cost telecommunications satellites, offering bandwidth-as-a-service to commercial and government customers. This approach allows Astranis to deliver services at a lower cost than traditional providers, making it appealing for reaching new markets. With over $1 billion in satellite services sold in the past two years and plans for additional satellite launches, Astranis is positioned for growth. The company's goal is to bridge the digital divide and connect underserved populations globally.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2015Year Founded

$587.2MTotal Funding

SERIES_DCompany Stage

Aerospace, DefenseIndustries

201-500Employees

Benefits

An equity stake in the company.

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Unlimited vacation days.

Healthy, delicious, free lunch catered in every day.

Complementary OneMedical membership.

Great office chairs, stand-up desks, and a machine shop.

Reimbursement to spend on commuting from outside SF

Generous, fully-paid parental leave.

Risks

Competition from SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper may impact market share.

Continuous R&D investment needed due to rapid technological advancements in satellite tech.

Regulatory challenges in obtaining spectrum licenses could delay satellite deployments.

Differentiation

Astranis offers low-cost satellite solutions for underserved regions, expanding internet access.

The company provides bandwidth-as-a-service, reducing costs for commercial and government clients.

Astranis designs, manufactures, and operates its own satellites, ensuring end-to-end service control.

Upsides

Astranis plans to launch 100 MicroGEO satellites by 2030, increasing market share.

Partnership with Xona Space Systems enhances reputation in the defense sector.

$50 million investment from NTT Docomo Ventures indicates strong investor confidence.

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