Quality Control Technician

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 

As our Quality Control Technician, you are our source of truth on matters related to inspection of physical parts. We rely on you to employ precision measurement tools and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) in order to evaluate dimensional accuracy of machined parts and to document the results. Best practices in the application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) are applied in the setup and inspection of parts in a variety of materials and complexities. Results and recommendations are effectively communicated to engineers and machinists in adherence with Astra processes. This is a strong individual contributor role that will report directly to the QC Manager.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

• Inspect finished machined, welded, and coated parts against drawings produced by our engineers.
• Apply a deep understanding of GD&T, and offer your knowledge to others if needed.
• Program CMMs and VMMs using software such as MODUS and CMM Manager
• Use a variety of precision measuring tools including micrometers, calipers, gages, and more. Surface plate use will be routine.
• Follow and create inspection procedures for repeat jobs
• Document inspection results and manage non-conformities.
• Participate in a team-first shop atmosphere that emphasizes shop improvement and professional growth.
• Enforce accountability, traceability, and adherence to process.
• Improve shop effectiveness by identifying bottlenecks and and working to fix them. 

Why We Value You

• 2+ years experience working in quality control inspection
• You can conduct routine dimensional inspection of parts made in house or by vendors using hand tools or CMMs
• You have expert proficiency working with measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, hard gauges, surface plate techniques, etc
• You are fluent in GD&T and can read technical drawings
• You can program coordinate measurement machines (CMMs) and use software such as CMM Manager and MODUS
• You can interpret inspection results, compare them to established specifications and make clear judgement calls
• You are comfortable following disposition procedures for handling non-conforming materials
• You understand the basics of tool calibration and traceability.
• Ensure lab cleanliness, safety, and environmental requirements are maintained
• You understand what a quality management system is
• You are comfortable workingr with management, engineering, or other manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information

• You are skilled with Excel and Word, have basic CAD proficiency
• You maintain a neat and professional work area at all times

Desired Multipliers 

• 5+ years of hands-on experience working in a lab/shop environment
• Certified Weld Inspector (CWI)
• Experience working in an aerospace quality environment
• Experience with Faro Arms, laser scanning, X-ray, or other advanced methods
• Coursework, certification, formal training in the area of QA/QC
• Experience in an engineering discipline

The pay range for this role is: $40-50/hr

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range in the San Francisco Bay Area and excludes additional earnings such as bonus and benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Astra, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

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.

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.