Turbopumps (Centrifugal Pumps) - Propulsion Engineer

ABOUT 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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. PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS Experience in one or more of the following 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.