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 Machinist that specializes in CNC machine setup and operation, you are invaluable member of the production team and a direct contributor to hitting our launch schedule goals. You have the skill set required to set up CNC machines and to monitor their operation while paying attention to key details – tool life, fixturing, inspection steps, maintenance, and throughput. Your experience working in machine shops has made you comfortable working with metalcutting CNC and manual machines with a special attention to safety. You employ a methodical process-driven approach to your work and are naturally organized. Strong communication and attention to detail are your strong suit. Your priority, along with the rest of the shop team, is to produce finished parts faster, cheaper, and at higher quality than any other shop. This is a strong individual contributor role that will report directly to the Shop Manager.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

• Interpret dimensioned part drawings and understand tolerancing requirements.
• Set up CNC mills or lathes by building fixture, setting tool lengths, and establishing work coordinates.
• Operate CNC machines with minimal downtime for inspection and maintenance.
• Collaborate with programmers or production managers when program adjustments are required.
• Support shop operations by contributing to material prep, deburring, and daily maintenance on your equipment
• Inspect your in-process by consulting with the Quality Control Lab or by using calipers, micrometers, and hard gauges, etc.
• Communicate positively with fellow machinists, engineers, and Quality Control staff in order to build a transparent and cooperative atmosphere.
• Improve shop effectiveness by identifying bottlenecks and recurring issues.

Why We Value You

• Your 2+ years as a Setup and Operator Machinist have prepared you for this fast-paced shop atmosphere
• You are very comfortable with CNC mills or lathes and their controls
• You have manual machining experience from prior employment or trade school
• You can calculate basic feeds and speeds
• You can understand basic G code
• You understand the different types of materials, their machineability, and can identify them quickly
• You are able to inspect threads
• You are proficient with measuring instruments including calipers, micrometers, and hard gauges
• You can read shop drawings and are familiar with GD&T
• You can lift 40+lbs, push heavy carts or crates, and can stretch, reach, kneel, or crawl as may be required by certain tasks
• You can monitor machinery in order to identify necessary maintenance or safety issues
• You can maintain a clean and organized work area
• You can use Excel, Word, and email, and are otherwise comfortable using a computer
• You are always looking for ways to make yourself and your team faster, stronger, and happier

Desired Multipliers 

• 5+ years of hands-on experience as a machinist in a professional shop environment
• Formal education in a machining program
• Experience in a high-mix, fast paced job shop
• CAD or CAM experience on any platform
• Understanding of GD&T
• Experience in fabrication, including welding, sheet metal, waterjet, assembly, or finish work
• Training in an engineering or design discipline

The pay range for this role is: $37.00 - $42.00 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.