Propellant Research Scientist

Propellant Research Scientist ‍ About Manastu Manastu Space is a Space Safety and Logistics company focused on making space safe, sustainable, and accessible. We develop technologies to address critical challenges such as space debris mitigation and green propulsion , enabling safer satellite operations, and long-term sustainability of the space ecosystem. ‍ Our work sits at the intersection of advanced 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 Lead scientific research and experimental development to enable safe, reliable, and long-duration storage of hydrogen peroxide–based propulsion propellants. ‍ The role is responsible for understanding, executing and controlling peroxide decomposition kinetics, impurity-driven catalytic reactions, and propellant–material interactions that govern storage stability in propulsion systems, and translating these insights into stabilization strategies, compatibility limits, and predictive models required for flight-qualified propulsion hardware. ‍ Role Overview We are seeking a Propellant Research Scientist to join our growing aerospace organization facility in Navi Mumbai, with strong expertise in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) chemistry, oxidizer stability, and long-term storage behaviour. ‍ This role focuses on understanding and controlling the molecular, kinetic, and materials-level behavior of H₂O₂-based propulsion systems under real engineering constraints. ‍ You will work at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and propulsion hardware, contributing to the development of stable, reliable, and flight-ready peroxide-based propulsion systems. ‍ ‍ Key Responsibilities 1. Lead fundamental research on hydrogen peroxide decomposition chemistry , including catalytic pathways, impurity-driven kinetics, and heterogeneous catalytic reactions at metal and oxide surfaces relevant to propulsion systems. ‍ 2. Develop stabilization strategies for long-term propellant storage in propulsion systems and develop understanding of chemical stabilizers interaction with propellent at molecular level. ‍ 3. Design and execute experimental programs to quantify propellant degradation under mission-relevant conditions, including temperature, material interfaces, and trace contamination levels. ‍ 4. Establish predictive models for long-duration propellant storage , linking reaction kinetics and materials interactions to system-level outcomes such as pressure rise and concentration loss. ‍ 5. Develop engineering guidelines for propellant storage and handling , translating chemical research results into design rules for propulsion system hardware. ‍ 6. Lead failure investigations and anomaly resolution related to propellant stability, material compatibility, or unexpected decomposition behavior. ‍ 7. Generate qualification data and technical justification required for propulsion system storage certification and flight readiness reviews. ‍ 8. Collaborate with propulsion, materials, and systems engineers to ensure the chemical behavior of the propellant is incorporated into system design, storage margins, and mission lifetime predictions. ‍ 9. Publish technical findings internally and externally , contributing to the scientific and engineering knowledge base of peroxide-based propulsion systems. ‍ ‍ Experience & Background 1. PhD in Chemistry (Organic or Inorganic), Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field. ‍ 2. Strong background in reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, free radical chemistry and oxidizer chemistry. ‍ 3. Hands-on laboratory experience with hydrogen peroxide or strong oxidizers. ‍ 4. Experience designing and executing controlled experimental studies. ‍ 5. Familiarity with analytical techniques used in chemical characterization, with data analysis and interpretation skills to develop property- stability correlation. ‍ 6. Strong publishing records such as patents, research papers and conferences ‍ 7. Candidate should be capable to work in timeline driven, result oriented and fast paced environment ‍ ‍ Ideal Candidate Profile • Highly driven experimental scientist with deep expertise in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) chemistry, oxidizer stability, and reaction kinetics. ‍ • Ability to translate fundamental research into practical propulsion system applications. ‍ • Demonstrate the ability to develop stabilization strategies, predictive models, and engineering guidelines for long-duration propellant storage, and have experience in failure analysis and solving complex stability challenges. ‍ • The ability to work in a fast-paced, result-oriented environment and collaborate across engineering teams is essential. ‍ ‍ What Success Looks Like in this role • Achieves reliable long-term stability of H₂O₂-based propellants under mission conditions ‍ • Translates complex chemistry into practical stabilization strategies and engineering guidelines ‍ • Builds predictive models linking kinetics and materials behavior to system-level outcomes ‍ • Effectively identifies and resolves decomposition, compatibility, and stability issues ‍ • Contributes to qualification, certification, and flight readiness through high-quality data and analysis ‍ • Demonstrates strong ownership , delivering high-quality outcomes with scientific rigor ‍ • Applies a problem-solving mindset to drive root cause analysis and resolution ‍ • Communicates clearly and collaborates across teams in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment ‍ ‍ What we offer • Competitive compensation • Comprehensive health insurance • High ownership and visibility, with direct access to leadership • Support for learning, conferences, and research exposure Subsidized lunch plan ‍ ‍ 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 ).