Senior Quality Engineer

Astra’s mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Today, Astra offers one of the lowest cost-per-launch dedicated orbital launch services, and one of the industry’s leading flight-proven electric propulsion systems for satellites, the Astra Spacecraft Engine.

The Opportunity 

This is a hands-on quality engineering role designed for an early-career engineer who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will support production by driving inspection rigor, investigating hardware nonconformances, and implementing process improvements that protect mission success. 

The ideal candidate has aerospace manufacturing exposure, strong blueprint interpretation skills, and experience supporting inspection or production quality activities. 

You will work closely with Manufacturing, Design Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to ensure hardware meets drawing requirements, process controls, and aerospace quality standards. 

Fast-Paced Innovation 
Work in a dynamic environment where solving difficult engineering and manufacturing challenges is part of everyday life. 

Growth & Ownership 
Early-career engineers at Astra are trusted with real responsibility and have the opportunity to work directly on flight-critical hardware. 

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

Manufacturing Quality Support 

• Partner with manufacturing teams on the production floor to ensure hardware is built and inspected to engineering and industry requirements. 

• Support in-process inspections and verification activities for propulsion and structural hardware and systems. 

Inspection & Verification 

• Interpret engineering drawings and specifications, including GD&T, to verify hardware compliance. 

• Support incoming inspection, in-process inspection, and final acceptance activities. 

• Develop and refine inspection criteria, inspection plans, and acceptance documentation. 

Non-Conformance Management 

• Document and investigate hardware nonconformances and support Material Review Board (MRB) activities. 

• Coordinate containment actions and ensure proper documentation and traceability. 

Root Cause & Corrective Action 

• Support Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations using structured methodologies such as 5-Why, Fishbone, and 8D. 

• Help implement corrective actions that improve manufacturing quality and reduce defect recurrence. 

Process Improvement 

• Analyze quality and production data to identify trends, recurring issues, and opportunities for yield improvement. 

• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance manufacturing consistency and hardware reliability. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Work closely with Manufacturing, Design Engineering, and Supply Chain to resolve quality issues and support production readiness. 

• Contribute to Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR), Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), and quality assessments as required.

Why We Value You

Education 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline. 

Experience 

• 5+ years of experience in a high-reliability manufacturing environment such as aerospace, defense, automotive, or medical devices. 

Technical Skills 

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T. 

• Familiarity with inspection techniques and quality documentation practices. 

Problem Solving 

• Exposure to RCCA, CAPA, or structured problem-solving methodologies. 

Communication 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting technical findings and collaborating across engineering and manufacturing teams. 

Eligibility 

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident due to ITAR/export control requirements. 

Desired Multipliers 

• Experience working in aerospace or propulsion hardware manufacturing. 

• Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management systems. 

• Experience supporting inspection, MRB, or production quality activities. 

• Knowledge of cleanroom protocols and ESD handling practices. 

• Experience with digital manufacturing systems such as MES, PLM, or ERP platforms (e.g., Teamcenter, ION, Odoo). 

• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or ASQ quality methodologies. 

The pay range for this role is: $140,000 - $180,000

Salary and Benefits

We're competitive in compensation and offer equity as part of the package. We have great benefits that include health, vision, dental, and 401K in comparison to other startups. We provide lunch and there's plenty of snacks and drinks to get you through the day.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

ITAR Requirements: This position requires compliance with U.S. Government space technology  trade restrictions, specifically the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and additional regulations governing satellite, launch vehicle, missile, and other related technologies. All jobs restricted by these regulations will be contingent upon the applicant’s status as a documented U.S. Person or their ability to receive a trade license from the cognizant government agency; in addition to any required company background checks and in compliance with applicable U.S. and California laws. Similarly, positions requiring the ability to work on government contracts or a security clearance are also contingent upon the applicants ability to receive the appropriate clearance and be allowed to work on U.S. government contracts.

© Astra Space Operations, LLC. All rights reserved, Astra is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We encourage people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply.

San Francisco Applicants: Astra will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records (criminal histories) in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.