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

The Machine Shop Team is a highly skilled group of machinists and fabricators that bring our company's designs to life. The team is responsible for taking raw materials to finished form, while observing dimensional requirements and schedule constraints. The goal is always to produce finished parts that are of higher quality, lower cost, and to make them faster than any other shop!

The Opportunity 

As a Welding Technician, you are skilled in the many types of welding that we utilize – aerospace grade metals, fine tubing assemblies, pipe, heavy structures, and traditional fabrication.

Daily use of handheld measurement tools and computerized controls are an integral part of the job and you will work with other welders to ensure we are producing the best possible welds.

Basic fabrication skills will come into play as well. Large builds or existing assemblies will require occasional modifications or finishing that requires an experienced touch.

Strong communication, attention to detail, and willingness to jump into action are your strong suits as you contribute a large variety of project types. Your priority, along with the rest of the shop team, is to produce assemblies parts faster, cheaper, and at higher quality than anyone else. This is a strong individual contributor role that will report directly to the Development Shop Manager.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

• Interpret dimensioned assembly drawings with fluency in order to ensure that the correct materials and appraoch are used in order.
• Produce high performance TIG/GTAW welds in aluminum, stainless, and Inconel.
• Operate orbital tube welders (OTW) for creating small assemblies for use in our orbital products.
• Fabricate steel frames, platforms, and other structures using MIG, stick, saws, drills, grinders, and other shop tools.
• Support your team by participating in design reviews and weld qualification campaigns
• Inspect finished assemblies using a variety of handheld inspections tools including calipers and video measurements systems (VMMs)
• Assist with special request projects such as shop improvement initiatives and on-site/outdoor rework. Such tasks require high level of communication and cooperation with others.
• Communicate with other shop and company personnel in order to ensure a transparent and cooperative atmosphere.
• Improve shop effectiveness by identifying bottlenecks and recurring issues. You have an understanding of what continuous improvement looks like, and you leverage your position as Welding Technician to support that end.

Why We Value You

• You have 2+ years of welding experience in a fast-paced shop environment
• You’ve taken welding classes or hold relevant certifications
• Skilled in TIG and MIG welding with aluminum and stainless; able to share examples of your work
• Familiar with Orbital Tube Welding (OTW), or eager to learn
• Comfortable taking fabrication projects from start to finish
• Experienced with layout, measuring, and marking metal for machining
• Proficient with tools like grinders, cutters, hammers, and other fabrication equipment
• Open to expanding into weld inspection, passivation, cleaning, and other processes
• Knowledgeable about material types, grades, machinability, and quick identification
• Confident using calipers, borescopes, tape measures, and other precision tools
• Can read and interpret shop drawings and communicate requirements clearly
• Able to lift 40+ lbs, push heavy carts, and perform physical tasks as needed
• Monitor and maintain equipment, flagging safety or maintenance concerns
• Keep a clean workspace and perform preventative maintenance
• Comfortable using Excel, Word, email, and computer-based tools
• Work well with engineers and supervisors to share technical information
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and approach work with urgency and optimism
• Willing to own mistakes, ask questions, and learn continuously

Desired Multipliers 

• Laser welding experience
• Certified Weld Inspector (CWI)
• Experience as a machinist in a professional shop environment
• CAD experience on any platform

The pay range for this role is: $32.00 - $38.00 per hour

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.