System Engineer - Propulsion System

System Engineer

AboutManastu

ManastuSpace is aSpace Safety and Logistics companyfocused on making spacesafe, sustainable, and accessible. We develop technologies to address critical challenges such asspace debris mitigation and green propulsion, enabling safer satelliteoperations,and long-term sustainability of the space ecosystem.

Our work sits at the intersection ofadvanced engineering, applied research, and mission-critical systems, requiring deep technical capability and long-term thinking.

Website:https://www.manastuspace.com

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/manastu-space/

Email:careers@manastuspace.com

Role Objective

Take full ownershipand drive end-to-end system engineering of propulsion missions, from translating mission requirements into robust system architecture to delivering a fully integrated, flight-ready system. The role requires leading cross-functional execution, solving complex engineering challenges, and ensuring reliable performance under tight timelines in a fast-paced startup environment.

Role Overview

The System Engineeris responsible fordriving the overall system definition, integration, and execution of propulsion missions. The roleoperatesat the intersection of propulsion, structures, thermal, and electronics to ensure all subsystems function as a cohesive, high-performance system. It involves close collaboration with design, manufacturing, testing, and program teams to translate mission requirements into executable plans, manage interfaces,identifyand mitigate risks early, and ensuretimelydelivery of flight-ready systems. In a fast-paced startup environment, the role demands strong ownership, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to solve complex problems to ensure mission success.

Key Responsibilities

System Architecture and Design:

Taking ownership of the entire design process and system architecture, from conceptualization to implementation, and ensuring that the products align with the startup's vision, missionobjectives, and industry standards. Collaborate with cross- functionalteams to ensure seamless integration with spacecraft subsystems.

Requirements Management:

(a) Define and manage system requirements based on customer needs and industry standards.

Utilize NASA system engineering processes to develop clear and conciserequirementsdocumentation.

Risk Management:

(a) Identifyand assess potential risks associated with the propulsion system.

(b) Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure mission success.

Testing and Validation:

(a) Plan and execute system-level tests tovalidatethe performance and reliability of propulsion systems.

(b) Collaborate with testing teams toanalyseresults and implement necessary improvements.

Documentation:

(a) Create andmaintaincomprehensive system engineering documentationin accordance withNASA standards.

(b) Generate technical reports, specifications, and other documentation for internal and external stakeholders.

Project Coordination:

(a) Work closely with project managers to ensure that engineering activities align with project timelines andobjectives.

(b) Participate in regular project meetings and provide technicalexpertiseto support decision-making.

Continuous Improvement:

(a) Stay updated on the latest advancements in space propulsion technology and integrate relevant innovations into our systems.

(b) Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes and methodologies.

Experience & Background

• Bachelor'sdegreeinAerospaceEngineering,MechanicalEngineering,orarelatedfield (Master'sdegree preferred).
• Provenexperienceinspacesystemengineering.
• Wellversedwiththesystemsengineeringprocess followedbyNASA
• Someyears of experience in a technical or engineering role, including a minimum of 2 years of hands-on system engineering experience gained through college-level projects or within the aerospace industry.
• Demonstratedexperienceineffectivelyandappropriatelybalancingperformance,resource use, risk, cost, and schedule.
• Experienceinworkingwithmultidisciplinaryteamsandabilitytocommunicatethesame.
• Demonstratedabilitytoflexiblyandpositivelydealwithevolvingprojectconstraints.
• Abilitytofilterinformationto focusonkeyaspectsandmaintainandcloseattentiontodetail.
• Asenseofurgency.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experience in delivering spaceflight hardware or complete mission lifecycle (design build test integration launch)
• Strong foundationin systems engineering principles, including requirements, interfaces, and trade-offs
• Hands-on exposure to testing and validation (TVAC, vibration, hot-fire, functional testing)
• Depth in at least one domain: propulsion / fluid systems / thermal / structures / electronics
• Proven ability to handle failures, debug issues, and drive root cause resolution
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous startup environments
• Demonstrates high ownership and accountability for system-level outcomes
• Strong problem-solving skills with afirst-principlesthinking approach
• Effective in cross-functional collaboration and technical communication
• Prior experience in satellite or propulsion systems is highly preferred

What Success Looks Like in this role

• Propulsion systems delivered on time, fully integrated, and flight-ready
• System performance meets or exceeds mission requirements and reliability targets
• Risksidentifiedearly and mitigated beforeimpactingtimelines or performance
• Seamless integration with spacecraft and other subsystems
• Clear, well-defined requirements, interfaces, and documentationmaintainedthroughout the lifecycle
• Ability to resolve technical challenges quickly and effectively
• Strong ownership leading to minimal supervision and high execution velocity
• Continuous improvement in design, testing, and system reliability across missions
• Contribution to building scalable systems engineering processes within the organization

If you are motivated by building enduring technical institutions and solving complex hiring challenges at scale, we would like to hear from you(careers@manastuspace.com).