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 Senior Vehicle Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the design and development of major structural and mechanical subsystems on Astra’s launch vehicle. You’ll own projects from concept to flight, guiding technical decisions and ensuring performance, reliability, and manufacturability under extreme environmental conditions.

You’ll work closely with propulsion, avionics, GNC, integration, and manufacturing teams to drive hardware from the whiteboard to the launchpad—rapidly iterating and solving complex engineering challenges along the way.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

• Lead design and development of structural and mechanical systems for launch vehicle stages and assemblies
• Drive system-level trades, analysis, and architecture decisions
• Develop 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and run detailed FEA and thermal analyses
• Mentor junior engineers and review designs for technical accuracy and soundness
• Work cross-functionally to ensure seamless integration with propulsion, avionics, and ground systems
• Support production and launch campaigns with hands-on troubleshooting and continuous improvement
• Contribute to a culture of speed, accountability, and deep technical rigor
• Own root cause investigations and corrective actions when hardware issues arise

Why We Value You

• 6+ years of hands-on experience designing and delivering mechanical hardware for high-performance vehicles (aerospace, automotive, robotics, etc.)
• Expertise in structural analysis, materials selection, thermal systems, and design for manufacturability
• Fluency in CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, NX) and simulation tools (FEA, thermal, modal)
• Comfortable working on fast-paced, cross-functional teams with minimal oversight
• Proven track record of shipping flight or mission-critical hardware
• Excellent technical communication and documentation skills
• Thrives in ambiguity and takes ownership from start to finish
• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent experience)

Desired Multipliers 

• Experience with launch vehicles, satellites, or space systems
• Background in high-stakes, highly-coupled systems under environmental stress (e.g., rocket structures, high-speed vehicles)
• Familiarity with composites, welding, or additive manufacturing
• Experience leading design reviews and mentoring early-career engineers

The pay range for this role is: $150,000 - $180,000 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.