Staff Electrical Engineer, Spacecraft Engine

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


We’re a group of talented and experienced engineers seeking our next Electrical Engineer to join our Astra Spacecraft Engine™ team to help build the electronics for electric propulsion.


The Opportunity 


The ideal candidate for this role is a dynamic self-starter who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and is eager to make a meaningful impact on the direction and success of our business. You’re not only fluent in schematic capture and PCB layout tools, you’re equally comfortable working hands-on with a bench full of test equipment and a soldering iron in hand.


How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

  • Design & Build: Own the full lifecycle of spacecraft subsystem hardware—including design, component selection, schematic capture, layout, first article bring-up, production, and testing.
  • Collaborate: Partner with cross-functional teams and technical leaders to drive end-to-end development of advanced propulsion components, covering board design, system integration, and testing.
  • Integrate: Work closely with electrical, mechanical, controls, and software engineers to design and refine propulsion systems that meet both technical and mission requirements.
  • Own It: Take full ownership of your designs—from concept to testing and through to production.
  • Innovate: Think creatively and push boundaries. Astra is building what no one else has, and we welcome bold, original ideas.
  • Strategize: Look ahead—design with future scalability and product evolution in mind.
  • Elevate: Stay system-aware and look for ways to improve the tools, processes, and systems you interact with.

Why We Value You

  • 5+ years of experience in discrete analog and switch-mode power supply (SMPS) design
  • Experience with hardware design bring-up, validation, and functional testing
  • Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills for hardware and system-level issues
  • Proficient in circuit simulation using LTSpice, HyperLynx, or equivalent tools
  • Hands-on PCB layout experience using Altium Designer or similar software
  • Programming experience in C/C++, Python, and Octave/MATLAB
  • Skilled in generating Worst Case Analysis (WCA) and Part Stress Analysis (PSA) reports
  • Experience with EMI/EMC testing and implementation of mitigation techniques
  • Proven track record of owning and delivering projects end-to-end
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to support and respond to customer engineering inquiries
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field

Desired Multipliers 

  • Experience in aerospace or space startup environments preferred
  • Hands-on design experience with radiation-tolerant systems
  • Proficient in mixed-signal circuit design
  • Skilled in low-noise design techniques and EMI/EMC minimization
  • Experience designing hardware for high-vibration and harsh environments
  • Proficient in embedded software development and Linux scripting


The pay range for this role is: $155,000 - $187,000 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.

Engineering

Alameda, CA

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