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

We’re seeking a Mechanical Engineer who thrives on designing, building, and testing real hardware - from moving mechanisms to structural components. In this role, you’ll develop critical mechanical systems for our launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and test infrastructure. You’ll work across the full product lifecycle, from clean-sheet design to hands-on prototyping, qualification testing, and flight.

If you enjoy solving high-stakes engineering problems, building things that move, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams - this is your chance to have a tangible impact on spaceflight.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

Design & Engineering

• Own the design of mechanical hardware and assemblies, such as actuation mechanisms, brackets, housings, mounts, and structures
• Perform analysis to validate strength, stiffness, thermal performance, and tolerances
• Create detailed CAD models and drawings optimized for manufacturability and performance
  
  

Prototyping & Testing

• Rapidly prototype new designs and support hands-on build efforts
• Lead or support test campaigns, from environmental screening to full-scale validation
• Investigate mechanical failures and drive corrective actions
  
  

Cross-Functional Integration

• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, test, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust mechanical integration
• Support hardware installation, test setups, and system-level bring-ups
  
  

Continuous Improvement

• Help improve design practices, part libraries, and documentation standards
• Mentor interns or early-career engineers and contribute to a culture of engineering rigor and curiosity
  
  

Why We Value You

• 3+ years of experience in mechanical design and analysis, preferably in aerospace, automotive, robotics, or industrial machinery
• Strong CAD skills (SolidWorks, Creo) and working knowledge of FEA tools
• Comfortable with hands-on prototyping and working in test or production environments
• B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field
  
  

Desired Multipliers

• Experience with dynamic systems, linkages, actuators, or thermal/fluid interfaces
• Familiarity with ASME standards and GD&T
• Exposure to cryogenic or high-pressure systems
• Background in startup, R&D, or fast-paced prototyping environments
  
  

The pay range for this role is: $130,000 - $160,000 per year

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.