Overview
Join to apply for the Software Engineer 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 Team and Opportunity
Software is at the forefront of how we operate at Astra. As a vertically integrated rocket company, every decision we make is data-driven: from CAD designs to launch, we look for patterns and relationships at each stage of our design, manufacturing, test, and operations. This requires vertically integrated software that provides insight into topics that matter, guiding our decisions. The software team is a small, versatile group that prides itself on cross-functional skill sets and diverse backgrounds. The role involves building systems that support rocket testing, manufacturing, and launch operations, working closely with hardware and operations teams to develop tools for automation, data collection, and real-time analysis. This is a high-impact role with broad technical scope and direct influence on critical engineering workflows.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain Python-based systems for automating rocket testing, manufacturing, and launch operations.
- Build tools for real-time telemetry data collection and analysis to support rapid decision-making.
- Collaborate with teams across engineering, manufacturing, and launch to identify software needs and ship impactful solutions.
- Contribute to internal tools, APIs (REST/gRPC), and cloud-native infrastructure that enable fast iteration and high reliability.
- Troubleshoot and improve systems that must operate under high complexity and extreme conditions.
Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in software engineering, including production-level Python development
- Solid understanding of system design, data pipelines, and APIs
- Experience with cloud-native services (e.g., AWS, Kubernetes, Docker) and telemetry or time-series systems
- Familiarity with REST/gRPC APIs and common data serialization formats (e.g., JSON, YAML, Protobuf)
- Proven ability to deliver software in high-stakes or cross-functional environments
- Strong communication skills and a proactive mindset
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)
Preferred/Desirable
- Experience in aerospace, robotics, or hardware-software systems
- Exposure to TypeScript, Go, or C/C++
- Open-source contributions or relevant side projects
Compensation
The pay range for this role is $130,000 - $160,000 per year. The stated compensation range reflects targeted base salary 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. Astra is committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.
Equity, Compliance, and Locality
San Francisco Applicants: Astra will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records 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, including ITAR and EAR regulations. 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, and other applicable checks. Positions requiring the ability to work on government contracts or a security clearance are contingent upon the appropriate clearance.
Employment details
- Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
- Employment type: Contract
- Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
- Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing
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