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 Opportunity 

As a Production Technician on the Astra Spacecraft Engine (ASE) team, you’ll play a critical role in building and testing our spacecraft propulsion systems. This is a hands-on position where your mechanical assembly skills—particularly around high-voltage and precision electronics like Power Processing Units (PPUs)—will directly impact the performance and reliability of flight hardware.

You’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Supply Chain, Mission Assurance, Product, and Program Management to assemble high-reliability propulsion components and complete propulsion modules.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

• Component Assembly: Build and integrate propulsion components, including fluid systems and PPUs, using specialized tools and techniques, ensuring accuracy and consistency
• Wiring & Harnessing: Route, terminate, and secure complex harnesses with high-voltage interfaces following strict drawings and ESD standards
• Mechanical Assembly: Align and fasten mechanical and electrical components, maintaining precision tolerances for high-performance hardware
• Quality Inspection: Perform inspections of assemblies using precision measuring tools and document compliance with engineering requirements
• Documentation: Maintain accurate build records, torque values, serial tracking, and record any deviations or non-conformances
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve issues during PPU assembly and integration; work directly with engineers to implement real-time fixes
• Cleanroom Protocols: Follow cleanroom procedures including proper gowning, ESD control, and contamination-prevention practices
• Safety Compliance: Work safely with high-voltage systems, pressure components, and other hazardous equipment
• Team Contribution: Support production goals, contribute to process improvements, and help develop work instructions for repeatability and scale

Why We Value You

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in mechanical or electro-mechanical assembly, preferably in aerospace, defense, or high-voltage environments
• Direct experience assembling and handling Power Processing Units (PPUs) or similar high-voltage power electronics
• Skilled in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings
• Familiar with cleanroom environments and compliant with ESD standards (e.g., ANSI/ESD S20.20 or MIL-STD-1686)
• Strong troubleshooting ability across electrical and mechanical domains
• Proven track record contributing to manufacturing documentation, procedures, and continuous improvement
• Able to communicate effectively with engineers, supply chain, and cross-functional teams
• Willing to work overtime and weekends as needed to meet delivery timelines
• Able to lift up to 25 lbs and perform physical tasks in a production setting
• A team player who takes ownership, follows through, and leads by example

Desired Multipliers 

• Prior experience working in aerospace startups or fast-paced production environments
• Knowledge of vacuum systems, environmental testing, or flight hardware qualification standards
• Hands-on experience with soldering, crimping, and routing high-voltage wiring harnesses
• Familiarity with integration of PPUs with Hall-effect thrusters or similar propulsion systems
• Willingness to mentor others and contribute to a collaborative, learning-focused culture

The pay range for this role is: $40.00 - $55.00 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.