Associate Scientist - Propulsion (Monopropellant)

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.