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 Ground Systems Fluids Team comprises engineers specializing in fluid systems, component specification, and mechanical design. We develop fluid systems essential for various aerospace applications, including the storage and transfer of propellants, initiation of propulsion systems, and maintenance of stringent environmental conditions for payloads during transport and pre-launch phases. Our involvement spans the entire system design process, from creating fluid system models and piping and instrumentation diagrams to specifying components and overseeing mechanical implementation. We work with a diverse range of fluids, including low and high-pressure liquids and gases, cryogenics, and pyrophoric substances.​

Our ground systems are engineered for versatility and rapid deployment. Designed to be housed within shipping containers or compact enough for flatbed trailers, these systems can be transported globally and assembled within days. This design philosophy ensures adaptability across various aerospace operations, facilitating swift and efficient support for different mission requirements.​

By focusing on innovative ground system solutions, our team contributes to enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the broader goal of achieving more frequent and reliable access to space.​

The Opportunity 

​Join our dynamic team of engineers and technicians dedicated to developing innovative fluid systems for aerospace ground support equipment. As an engineer on this team, you'll be involved in specifying, analyzing, designing, procuring, assembling, and testing fluid systems that support various aerospace operations. This includes managing gas and liquid storage and transfer, as well as overseeing pad safety and fire suppression systems. Emphasis is placed on minimizing costs, enabling rapid deployment schedules, ensuring efficient in-field operations, and facilitating ease of maintenance.​

This role offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including Ground Structures and Controls, Propulsion, Avionics, and Operations, to ensure seamless integration and operation of ground support systems across diverse aerospace applications.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

• Lead Subsystem Development: Manage entire subsystems of our ground systems, defining requirements and creating design solutions from initial concepts to detailed solid models and released drawings. This includes developing assembly, maintenance, and operation instructions.​
• Design Fluid Routing Layouts: Develop fluid routing layouts, perform line-sizing, and source components for future iterations of the launcher, ensuring efficient and reliable fluid transfer.​
• Develop Qualification Testing Plans: Create and execute qualification testing plans for your systems to validate performance and compliance with specifications.​
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work closely with teams including electrical, mechanical, controls, and software engineers to support launch operations. Conduct design reviews, implement feedback, and ensure cross-team requirements are met.​
• Utilize NX Software Tools: Demonstrate proficiency with NX software tools for managing large shared assemblies, contributing to efficient design processes.​
• Adapt in a Dynamic Environment: Thrive in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment, showing eagerness to engage in hands-on work and tackle challenges proactively.

Why We Value You

• 5+ years' experience in Two or More of the Following Areas:
• • Fluid System Design and Specification: Expertise in designing, sizing, and specifying equipment for fluid systems.​
  • P&ID Interpretation and Creation: Ability to interpret and develop Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs). ​
  • Operation and Troubleshooting of High-Pressure Systems: Experience operating and troubleshooting liquid and pneumatic systems exceeding 6,000 PSI.​
  • Knowledge of Fluid System Components: Familiarity with industrial valves, regulators, relief devices, pumps, fittings, and instrumentation.​
  • Fluid and Thermal Analysis: Skills in performing one-dimensional fluid and thermal analyses to predict system performance and aid in sizing.
• Demonstrated experience managing large, shared assemblies using NX and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools.
• Proven ability to excel in ambiguous, fast-paced, and hands-on environments
• A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field is required

Desired Multipliers 

• Experience in designing and analyzing cryogenic systems
• Proficiency in handling flammable and pyrophoric fluids
• Familiarity with Air Force safety standards, such as AFSPCMAN 91-710
• Experience creating fluid system assemblies using the NX Routing toolbox
• Proficiency in thermal and stress analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
• Skilled in drafting and applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) for fluid systems
• Knowledge of ASME B31.3 process piping standards
• Familiarity with AWS D10.18 pipe welding code

The pay range for this role is: $150,000 - $190,000 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.