Astra
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Senior Mechanical Engineer, Mechanisms
role at
Astra 1 month ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Mechanisms
role at
Astra 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 looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer who is passionate about the inner workings of complex mechanisms. In this role, you will take ownership of
valves, actuators, and fluid control hardware
- the mechanical backbone of our launch and propulsion systems. You’ll lead the design, build, and test of precision components that manage the flow of cryogenic and hypergolic propellants under extreme environments. If you get excited by mechanisms, motion, and making hardware work in the harshest conditions, this is your chance to build systems that literally fuel spaceflight.
How You'll Fulfill Your Mission
Design & Analysis
Lead the full lifecycle design of mechanical components: valves, actuators, regulators, and fittings used in vehicle propulsion and ground systems Apply FEA, CFD, and tolerance analyses to validate structural integrity, fluid performance, and thermal resilience Translate functional needs into manufacturable designs that withstand dynamic and thermal loads
Build & Test
Drive prototyping and hands-on validation, including actuation testing, environmental screening, and hot-fire campaigns Debug system-level fluid/mechanical behavior and lead root cause investigations Work with internal shops and suppliers to deliver quality parts - fast
Integration & Collaboration
Collaborate across propulsion, structures, avionics, and test to ensure seamless mechanical integration and operation of moving components Define interface requirements and support design-to-test transitions, including test stands and HIL setups
Mentorship & Leadership
Review and guide mechanical designs and test strategies within the fluids and mechanisms team Share knowledge and elevate engineering rigor through mentorship and documentation
Why We Value You
3+ years of experience in mechanical design Demonstrated experience designing and qualifying hardware, including but not limited to valves, regulators, or high-pressure fittings Expert in CAD (SolidWorks, Creo) and FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, etc.) Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a related engineering field
Desired Multipliers
Experience with cryogenic fluids, LOX/RP-1, or hypergolic systems CFD or thermal/fluid modeling skills Background in hot-fire testing or launch vehicle hardware qualification Familiarity with ASME, NASA, or MIL pressure system standards Experience working in a fast-paced startup or early-stage company environment, with the ability to thrive under ambiguity and tight timelines
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. Seniority level
Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type
Employment type Contract Job function
Job function Engineering and Information Technology Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Astra by 2x Get notified about new Senior Mechanical Engineer jobs in
Alameda, CA . Palo Alto, CA $168,000.00-$179,000.00 2 weeks ago Palo Alto, CA $110,000.00-$140,000.00 2 weeks ago San Francisco, CA $140,000.00-$270,000.00 7 months ago San Francisco, CA $135,000.00-$135,000.00 3 days ago Pleasanton, CA $85,000.00-$135,000.00 20 hours ago San Francisco, CA $100,000.00-$300,000.00 2 weeks ago Redwood City, CA $125,000.00-$140,000.00 1 week ago Palo Alto, CA $100,000.00-$150,000.00 2 weeks ago Emeryville, CA $80,000.00-$99,600.00 3 days ago South San Francisco, CA $95,000.00-$115,000.00 2 months ago Union City, CA $110,000.00-$150,000.00 2 weeks ago Union City, CA $100,000.00-$120,000.00 1 week ago South San Francisco, CA $85,000.00-$100,000.00 3 months ago Mechanical Design Engineer, Cabin Systems
Mechanical Engineer — Intern (Fall 2025)
Alameda, CA $90,000.00-$120,000.00 1 week ago We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Mechanisms
role at
Astra 1 month ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Mechanisms
role at
Astra 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 looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer who is passionate about the inner workings of complex mechanisms. In this role, you will take ownership of
valves, actuators, and fluid control hardware
- the mechanical backbone of our launch and propulsion systems. You’ll lead the design, build, and test of precision components that manage the flow of cryogenic and hypergolic propellants under extreme environments. If you get excited by mechanisms, motion, and making hardware work in the harshest conditions, this is your chance to build systems that literally fuel spaceflight.
How You'll Fulfill Your Mission
Design & Analysis
Lead the full lifecycle design of mechanical components: valves, actuators, regulators, and fittings used in vehicle propulsion and ground systems Apply FEA, CFD, and tolerance analyses to validate structural integrity, fluid performance, and thermal resilience Translate functional needs into manufacturable designs that withstand dynamic and thermal loads
Build & Test
Drive prototyping and hands-on validation, including actuation testing, environmental screening, and hot-fire campaigns Debug system-level fluid/mechanical behavior and lead root cause investigations Work with internal shops and suppliers to deliver quality parts - fast
Integration & Collaboration
Collaborate across propulsion, structures, avionics, and test to ensure seamless mechanical integration and operation of moving components Define interface requirements and support design-to-test transitions, including test stands and HIL setups
Mentorship & Leadership
Review and guide mechanical designs and test strategies within the fluids and mechanisms team Share knowledge and elevate engineering rigor through mentorship and documentation
Why We Value You
3+ years of experience in mechanical design Demonstrated experience designing and qualifying hardware, including but not limited to valves, regulators, or high-pressure fittings Expert in CAD (SolidWorks, Creo) and FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, etc.) Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a related engineering field
Desired Multipliers
Experience with cryogenic fluids, LOX/RP-1, or hypergolic systems CFD or thermal/fluid modeling skills Background in hot-fire testing or launch vehicle hardware qualification Familiarity with ASME, NASA, or MIL pressure system standards Experience working in a fast-paced startup or early-stage company environment, with the ability to thrive under ambiguity and tight timelines
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. Seniority level
Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type
Employment type Contract Job function
Job function Engineering and Information Technology Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Astra by 2x Get notified about new Senior Mechanical Engineer jobs in
Alameda, CA . Palo Alto, CA $168,000.00-$179,000.00 2 weeks ago Palo Alto, CA $110,000.00-$140,000.00 2 weeks ago San Francisco, CA $140,000.00-$270,000.00 7 months ago San Francisco, CA $135,000.00-$135,000.00 3 days ago Pleasanton, CA $85,000.00-$135,000.00 20 hours ago San Francisco, CA $100,000.00-$300,000.00 2 weeks ago Redwood City, CA $125,000.00-$140,000.00 1 week ago Palo Alto, CA $100,000.00-$150,000.00 2 weeks ago Emeryville, CA $80,000.00-$99,600.00 3 days ago South San Francisco, CA $95,000.00-$115,000.00 2 months ago Union City, CA $110,000.00-$150,000.00 2 weeks ago Union City, CA $100,000.00-$120,000.00 1 week ago South San Francisco, CA $85,000.00-$100,000.00 3 months ago Mechanical Design Engineer, Cabin Systems
Mechanical Engineer — Intern (Fall 2025)
Alameda, CA $90,000.00-$120,000.00 1 week ago We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr