Assistant Manager - Cryogenic Tank Fabrication

ABOUT ASTROBASE SPACE TECHNOLOGIES

Astrobase is a pioneering spacetech startup founded by prominent Senior ISRO scientists and IIT Bombay alumni with over 20 years of experience in designing, manufacturing, testing and flying advanced Cryogenic Launch Vehicles. Driven by a vision to make India a Space tech powerhouse, we are developing innovative launch vehicles that will transform space exploration. At Astrobase, you’ll be part of a team creating history in the Indian space industry. Our goal is to become the first private space company from India to land on the moon economically.

Role Overview:

We are building a reusable, all-liquid launcher powered by the best-in-class 80-ton Astrobase FFSC LOX/methane engine, at the fastest pace globally. As Cryogenic Tank Fabrication Engineer, you will supervise and execute the fabrication of cryogenic storage tanks for liquefied gases such as LNG and LOX — ensuring high-quality welding, rolling, and pressing operations, adherence to codes and standards, and efficient shop-floor operations involving specialized materials and equipment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fabrication & Manufacturing

•    Oversee fabrication of cryogenic tanks, including:

o    Tanks (SS and CS), pipelines of engine and engine parts (Inconel)

•    Interpret fabrication drawings and prepare WPS (Welding Procedure Specifications) and process documents.

•    Supervise activities such as cutting, rolling, pressing, fit-up with welding fixtures, dimensional inspection coordination with QC, welding, and assembly.

2. Welding, Rolling, Pressing & Process Control

•    Ensure proper execution of welding processes:

o    GTAW (TIG) for all Class 1 welding

o    SMAW / MIG for testing fixtures

•    Qualification of welders and procedures.

•    Maintain strict control over distortion, residual stresses, and weld quality.

•    Pre rolling and pressing preparation.

•    Rolling and pressing execution supervision.

•    Dimensions and shape verification.

•    Fit-up and alignment control.

•    Documentation of rolling and pressing procedures.

3. Material Handling

•    Handle cryogenic-grade materials:

o    Stainless Steel (SS 301LN)

o    Inconel

•    Ensure traceability of materials with proper MTC (Mill Test Certificates).

•    Monitor storage and handling to prevent contamination and damage.

•    Maintain the stock of weld machine spares, consumables, and rolling machine spares.

•    Maintain the stock of SS plate for making tanks.

4. Quality Control & Inspection

•    Ensure fabrication meets standards such as:

o    AWS D17.1/17.1M

•    Coordinate and support NDT activities:

o    Radiography Testing (RT)

o    Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

o    Dye Penetrant Testing (PT)

•    Monitor dimensional accuracy and tolerance compliance.

5. Shop Floor Supervision

•    Lead and supervise welders, fitters, grinders, and technicians.

•    Allocate daily work, monitor productivity, and ensure target achievement.

•    Troubleshoot fabrication issues and provide technical solutions.

6. Safety & Compliance

•    Enforce safety practices in the fabrication shop:

o    Handling of pressurized systems

o    Working at heights and in confined spaces

•    Conduct safety audits and toolbox talks.

7. Documentation & Reporting

•    Maintain fabrication records:

o    Welding & rolling logs

o    Inspection reports

o    Material traceability records

o    Weld consumable test reports

o    PQR test reports

•    Prepare daily/weekly progress reports.

•    Coordinate with QA/QC for WPS approval.

Required Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.

•    3–6 years of experience in cryogenic tank fabrication.

•    Strong knowledge of fabrication processes and welding techniques.

Technical Skills

•    Expertise in welding processes (TIG/GTAW, SMAW, MIG).

•    Knowledge of cryogenic tank fabrication.

•    Familiarity with fabrication codes:

o    ASME Section VIII

o    AWS D1.6 (preferred)

•    Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings.

•    Hands-on experience with NDT methods.

Soft Skills

•    Strong leadership and team supervision skills.

•    Problem-solving and troubleshooting ability.

•    Attention to detail and quality focus.

•    Effective communication with cross-functional teams.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

•    Reduction of weld/rolling/pressing rework.

•    Fabrication cycle time.

•    Compliance with quality and safety standards.

•    On-time completion of fabrication milestones.

Preferred Qualifications

•    NDT Level II certification (RT/UT/PT/MT).

•    Experience in LNG, industrial gas, or aerospace sectors.

•    Knowledge of lean manufacturing.

Work Environment

•    Primarily shop-floor based with exposure to heavy fabrication.

•    Involves welding, rolling, pressing, and lifting operations.

•    May require extended hours during critical project phases.

WHY WORK WITH US?

At Astrobase, we believe in the power of human ingenuity and collaboration to push the boundaries of space exploration. As a team member, you’ll be:

1.    Creating History: Join us in developing cutting-edge launch vehicles, playing a pivotal role in transforming space access and shaping the future of space exploration.

2.    Collaborating with Experts: Work alongside ISRO scientists and industry veterans with decades of experience in designing India’s iconic space missions like Chandrayaan 3

3.    Growth Opportunities: As Astrobase scales, you’ll have the chance to take on leadership roles and be part of an expanding organization driving change in the Indian space sector.

4.    Pioneering Space Technology: Your contributions will not only impact Astrobase but also influence the global space ecosystem. Be part of something larger than yourself