Mechanical 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 

Mechanical Engineers at Astra design, analyze, build, and qualify hardware end-to-end — from clean-sheet concept through flight. Depending on your team and level, you may work on spacecraft propulsion components, launch vehicle structures, ground support equipment, fluid systems, or test infrastructure. Across all of these, the expectation is the same: be a hands-on contributor who takes accountability for the full lifecycle of what you build.

You will work on an interdisciplinary team alongside systems, propulsion, electrical, controls, and software engineers to bring complex hardware to life. You'll operate in a fast-paced, self-driven environment where the pace of iteration is rapid and the stakes are real.

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How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

• Design, analyze, and qualify rocket components/hardware — including structural assemblies, fluid system components (manifolds, valves, tanks, tubing, quick-disconnects), mechanisms, and ground support equipment/structures.
• Generate 3D models, fully dimensioned drawings, and interface control documents per ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards using Siemens NX (or equivalent CAD)
• Perform structural, thermal, and tolerance analyses using FEA tools (NASTRAN/NX Simcenter, Ansys) and hand calculations to validate design robustness
• Support prototype builds, qualification campaigns, and acceptance testing; work directly with technicians to debug and iterate hardware
• Develop and execute test plans for component- and system-level qualification; interpret results and drive design changes
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders through design reviews (PDR/CDR/TRR), and maintain complete engineering documentation (Tech Data Packages, compliance plans, FMEAs)
• Identify and apply the right manufacturing process - machining, welding, brazing, forming, heat treating - for each design
• Contribute to continuous improvement of team processes, tooling, and analytical capabilities

Why We Value You

Required Qualifications (All Levels)

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (Siemens NX strongly preferred; SolidWorks or CATIA considered)
• Working knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5
• Familiarity with common structural and fluid components and instrumentation
• Strong communication skills - written and verbal - and the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team
• Comfortable getting hands dirty: working directly with hardware, running tests, and troubleshooting on the floor
• Levels & Expectations

Engineer I / New Grad

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field (or equivalent internship/project experience)
• Foundational proficiency in CAD and GD&T; coursework or project experience in FEA, fluid mechanics, and structural analysis
• Hands-on experience through internships, capstone projects, lab work, or personal hardware builds
• Eager to learn, strong attention to detail, and comfortable asking questions and taking direction
• Works under the guidance of senior engineers; begins to own discrete sub-components or test tasks

Engineer II / Mid-Level (2-4 years)

• All of the above, plus demonstrated professional experience taking hardware from design to test
• Can own a component or subsystem with limited supervision
• Beginning to develop proficiency in analysis tools (FEA, CFD, or thermal simulation)
• Proactively identifies technical risks and surfaces them early

Senior Engineer (5-8 years)

• Deep expertise in at least one domain (fluid systems, structures, mechanisms, thermal, test)
• Proven track record of owning hardware from concept through production and/or flight
• Expert-level CAD and drawing generation; strong FEA fundamentals
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes and DFM/DFA practices
• Leads design reviews, provides technical guidance to junior engineers, and manages cross-team interfaces
• Experience with high-pressure (6,000+ psi), cryogenic, or flight-critical systems is a strong plus

Staff Engineer (8+ years)

• Recognized technical leader; sets direction for complex, multi-disciplinary programs
• Owns system-level architecture and leads hardware from concept through operational deployment
• Drives design-for-manufacturability and scalability from prototype to production
• Mentors a team of engineers and shapes team standards, processes, and analytical tools
• Influences technical and strategic decisions at the program level; communicates effectively with leadership and customers
• Experience managing schedule, cost, and deliverables for a module or product line

Desired Multipliers 

• Experience with structural FEA (NASTRAN) and/or thermal/CFD tools (Thermal Desktop, Star-CCM+)
• Background in high-pressure or cryogenic fluid systems (LOX, RP-1, or similar propellants)
• Experience with PLM tools (Teamcenter or similar)
• Familiarity with ASME, NASA, MIL-STD, or ECSS standards and how to apply them
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability hardware environments

The pay range for this role is dependent on levels:

Engineer I (new grads): $75,819-$115,000

Engineer II: $92,248-130,000

Sr Engineer: $140,000-180,000

Staff Engineer: $160,000-200,000

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.

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