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 of any operational launch provider in the world, and one of the industry’s first flight-proven electric propulsion systems for satellites, Astra Spacecraft Engine™. Astra delivered its first commercial launch to low Earth orbit in 2021, making it the fastest company in history to reach this milestone, just five years after it was founded in 2016. Astra (NASDAQ: ASTR) was the first space launch company to be publicly traded on Nasdaq.

We are looking for a talented and curious Mechanical Engineer to join our Avionics Hardware team to help build the electronics for our launch vehicle. Avionics Hardware Engineers work with multi-disciplinary teams and leaders for end-to-end development of state-of-the-art avionics Hardware components, including mechanical design, analysis, qualification testing, and system integration.

You will get to own the mechanical design, first article assembly, production, and testing of prototypes and flight hardware for rocket subsystems. A successful person for this job will be dynamic, self-starting, thrives in an entrepreneurial environment, and has the potential to become a significant contributor to the overall direction and success of our business.

How you’ll help us achieve our mission:

• • Partner: Work with a cross-disciplinary team of system owners including electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and software engineers to design and refine flight hardware.
  • Develop relationships with our production teams to ensure top quality is achieved for every avionics assembly.
  • Own: Take ownership of everything you design. Own the product from initial conception to full assembly and integration onto the vehicle.
  • Challenge: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Astra always encourages new and creative ideas to solve design challenges.
  • Strategize: Be prepared to look down the development path to help design products that can grow/evolve with the launch vehicle and scale to production rates.

Why We Value You

• • You have 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
  • You have 3+ years of design experience using CAD & PLM tools
  • You have 3+ years of hands-on fabrication, assembly, and/or testing experience
  • You are an engineer with experience in a Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or related engineering field
  • You are proficient at designing electromechanical enclosures and mounting brackets
  • You are proficient at designing test, assembly, & inspection fixtures
  • You can generate 3-D models, fully dimensioned drawings, and interface control documents per GD&T standards
  • You can document & update testing procedures, test & analysis results, FMEAs, requirement documents, work instructions, etc.
  • You ensure best practices in our Product Data Management system including design documentation, process documentation, inspection, and quality control
  • You have knowledge of material applications and manufacturing processes (machining, metal forming and material coatings)
  • You design hardware with weight, cost, and manufacturability in mind
  • You have the initiative to execute on open-ended problems and deliver quality results
  • You clearly communicate technical reasoning and manage hardware interfaces collaboratively between teams
  • You apply critical thinking to root cause investigations and corrective actions
  • You are self-motivated and have excellent written and verbal communication skill

$104,000 – $165,000 a 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, equity, and benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

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.

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.