Associate Scientist - System Engineering

We are looking for a Systems Engineer responsible for the design, integration, and qualification of Dream Aerospace's propulsion system — including propellant tanks, feed systems, structural elements, and plumbing — into a complete, standardized propulsion system for small satellite applications. The role requires close coordination with the propulsion engineering team to integrate thruster hardware into a flight-representative system, along with ownership of system-level requirements, interface management, 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 relevant experience.

Responsibilities

Define propulsion system-level requirements, derived from mission and customer requirements (thrust class, total impulse, mass, envelope, interfaces). Design and integrate the propulsion system architecture — propellant tanks, feed lines, valves, regulators, plumbing, and structural mounting — into a complete, standardized system.

Coordinate with the propulsion engineering team to integrate thruster/engine hardware into the system design. Perform trade studies on tank selection/sizing, feed-system routing, materials, and structural layout. Develop and maintain interface control documents (ICDs) with launch vehicle providers, host satellite buses, and other subsystems.

Support structural analysis of propulsion system mounts, tank supports, and load paths. Plan and execute system-level integration, assembly, and testing (proof pressure, leak checks, functional testing, and environmental testing as applicable). Track and manage mass properties (mass budget, CG) for the propulsion system.

Support qualification and verification activities to bring the propulsion system to flight readiness. Maintain technical documentation: requirements documents, verification matrices, ICDs, test procedures, and qualification records. Coordinate with propulsion, structures, avionics, manufacturing, and mission teams for subsystem and system-level integration.

Follow safety procedures and quality standards during integration and testing, particularly around pressurized propellant systems.

Requirements

Sound understanding of propulsion system architecture — tanks, feed systems, valves, regulators, and plumbing. Knowledge of propulsion systems, such as bipropellant systems. Understanding of space-grade standards such as ASME and other applicable standards. Experience with systems engineering practices: requirements definition, flow-down, interface management, and verification & validation.

Knowledge of structural design/analysis fundamentals as applied to propulsion system mounting and load paths. Proficient in CAD (Solid. Works) for system-level layout and integration. Sound knowledge on Manufacturing, Assembly and integration practices. Worked on P&ID development and interpretation for feed systems and plumbing.

Hands-on experience with pressurized fluid systems and associated safety considerations. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Good technical documentation and reporting skills (requirements docs, ICDs, verification matrices). Ability to collaborate effectively across propulsion, structures, avionics, and manufacturing teams.

Experience in drafting of system level requirement documentation planning and preparation.

Preferred Skills

Experience with satellite/spacecraft bus architecture or smallsat propulsion system design. Familiarity with mass properties management and mass budget tracking. Knowledge of environmental/qualification testing (vibration, thermal-vac, proof/leak testing). Experience developing interface control documents (ICDs) for launch vehicle or host satellite interfaces.

Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for systems-level analysis. Understanding of aerospace system integration and qualification processes. Experience with configuration management practices.