Lead Rocket Engine Assembly based at Bangalore

Job Description:

We are developing a high thrust-class full-flow staged combustion (FFSC) liquid
rocket engine operating on liquid oxygen and liquid methane. As Rocket Engine
Assembly Lead, you will be responsible for end-to-end planning, coordination, and
execution of the assembly, integration, and validation of the propulsion system. This
role bridges engineering design with hands-on assembly execution, ensuring build
quality, process discipline, and on-time delivery of engines for development and
flight campaigns.

Key Responsibilities
1. Assembly Leadership
• Lead and own the end-to-end assembly of full rocket engines, from sub component
integration to complete engine build.
• Develop and implement assembly strategies, workflows, and process
improvements for high-reliability builds.
• Define and build critical assembly infrastructure, including cleanroom facilities,
precision workbenches, welding bays, surface treatment equipment,
lifting/handling rigs, and contamination-controlled storage etc.
• Configure, commission, and own engine proof and leak test rigs, ensuring
readiness for validation campaigns.
• Coordinate with design, manufacturing, and test engineering to ensure alignment
on interfaces, schedules, and build quality.
• Establish a culture of quality, safety, and accountability on the assembly floor.
2. Advanced Welding & Metallurgy
• Oversee or directly perform GTAW/TIG and orbital welding on Inconel alloys
(625/718 or similar) for manifolds, ducts, and high-pressure components.
• Ensure weld integrity for cryogenic, high-pressure, and oxygen service
environments, including NDE (X-ray, dye penetrant, ultrasonic) and leak testing.
• Guide technicians and welders in heat treatment, joint prep, and post-weld
inspection standards.
3. Plumbing, Routing & Fluid Systems Ownership
• Own the design interpretation, assembly, and verification of plumbing and routing
for high-pressure LOX and methane lines, pneumatic/hydraulic circuits, and test
interfaces.
• Manage installation of critical aerospace connectors, flanges, and fittings (VCO,
VCR, QD/QCDC, bayonet, threaded, and orbital-weld types).
• Develop work instructions for line routing, torque sequencing, seal preparation,
and contamination control.

• Ensure proper clamping, supports, and strain-relief practices to withstand vibration
and thermal cycling.
• Lead proof pressure, helium leak, and pneumatic functional tests for all routed
lines and assemblies.
• Serve as the point of accountability for fluid system readiness in both shop and test
campaigns.
4. Process & Quality Control
• Develop and enforce detailed assembly work instructions (AWIs), torque and seal
procedures, and cleanliness standards for oxygen–methane systems.
• Establish and monitor critical-to-quality (CTQ) checkpoints across welding,
plumbing, and assembly.
• Drive non-conformance reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
5. Team & Workflow Management
• Supervise a team of technicians, welders, and assembly engineers.
• Plan workload distribution, daily shop floor execution, and training programs for
specialized skills (welding, plumbing, instrumentation).
• Foster collaboration across design, manufacturing, quality, and test teams to
streamline execution.
6. Tooling & Infrastructure
• Define requirements and oversee implementation of assembly tooling, welding
fixtures, lifting rigs, and precision routing templates.
• Own development of specialized equipment including pressure test stands, leak
test benches, and contamination control systems.
• Ensure compliance with EHS standards for cryogenic propellants, high-pressure
systems, and welding operations.
7. Integration for Test
• Lead engine buildup for static fire campaigns, including installation of sensors, fluid
lines, and test interfaces.
• Support test readiness reviews (TRR) and acceptance processes.

• Familiarity with aerospace quality systems (AS9100, NADCAP) and safety
standards.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative development environment.
Key Attributes
• High attention to detail with a “first-time-right” approach.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills for cross-disciplinary teams (technicians,
welders, fluid systems engineers).
• Comfortable with both hands-on shop floor work and structured process
documentation.
• Proactive problem solver under aggressive development timelines.
• Passion for spaceflight and advancing propulsion technology.
What We Offer
Opportunity to lead the assembly of one of the world’s most advanced rocket engines.
A culture of innovation, technical depth, and hands-on ownership.
Competitive compensation and career growth within a fast-scaling aerospace team.

Desired Profile / Criteria / Skills :

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Mechanical/Aerospace/Manufacturing
Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years’ experience in Aerospace assembly, with at least 3 years in
leadership/supervisory roles.
• Hands-on expertise in welding and metallurgical practices for Inconel alloys;
experience qualifying welds to ASME/AWS aerospace standards.
• Proven ownership of plumbing and routing for cryogenic propulsion systems,
including connectors, seals, and aerospace fluid hardware.
• Experience in commissioning and operating proof pressure and leak test rigs.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, torque/tension practices, and vibration/thermal
management for lines.