Test Engineer

The Company
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 of any operational launch provider in the world, and one of the industry's first flight-proven electric propulsion systems for satellites, Astra Spacecraft Engine™. Astra delivered its first commercial launch to low Earth orbit in 2021, making it the fastest company in history to reach this milestone, just five years after it was founded in 2016. Astra (NASDAQ: ASTR) was the first space launch company to be publicly traded on Nasdaq.
The Team
The Test Operations Team is responsible for and specializes in development and production test campaigns of the engines, structures, and other flight components on our Spacecraft Engine. Tests are conducted with a focus on safety and productivity in a challenging, fast-paced environment.
The Opportunity
As a Test Engineer, you will be a key player in helping prepare, test, and debrief on rocket engine and component testing, as well as being involved in the testing of Spacecraft Engines In order to be successful in this role, you should be someone who thrives in ambiguity and is able to amplify a growing, technically-focused team with a track record of success. Ideally, you are someone who has come from a fast paced, competitive environment having completed difficult projects while collaborating effectively with other key groups.
How you'll fulfill your mission:

• Safety: Astra's first priority is safety, and Test involves hazards ranging from cryogenics to heavy lifting. You will predict, monitor, and mitigate these hazards in order to minimize risks and prevent injuries.
• Design and Develop: Conceptualize and develop test stands incorporating mechanical, electrical, fluidic, and software requirements to test and validate flight hardware.
• Build and Create: Fabricate, assemble, troubleshoot, and repair hardware/equipment needed for test operations.
• Test and Operate: Prepare test articles and stands for hazardous test operations. Write, edit, and execute test procedures including engine and vehicle hot fires.
• Innovate and Iterate: Constantly improve the cadence and reliability of test operations, through novel automation within the test facility.
• Partner and Collaborate: Work with a cross-disciplinary team of system owners including electrical, mechanical, controls, and software engineers to test and refine flight hardware.

Why we value you:

• You have 3+ year of experience in hazardous/extreme pressure and temperature system environments (time spent in relevant clubs and/or internships is considered experience).
• You have an advanced degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or equivalent.
• You have experience in developing and reviewing fluid P&IDs.
• You have an understanding of common fluid & structural components and instrumentation, such as valves, regulators, hydraulic actuators, pressure transducers, thermocouples, flow meters, accelerometers, strain gauges, load cells, etc.
• You have designed, fabricated, and built complex fluid systems using mechanical techniques such as tube bending, threading, and structural assembly.
• You own projects from beginning to end, with minimal oversight.
• You are familiar with data acquisition and control systems.
• You have a fundamental understanding of troubleshooting systems and are able to come up with novel solutions to complex problems.

Desired Multipliers

• Knowledge or familiarity with thrust chambers, pumps, valves, pressure vessels, batteries, avionics hardware, aluminum, or composite structures.
• Knowledge and working experience in industrial power generation, plant operation, combustion devices, crane, and heavy machinery operation.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing methods, precision machining, and GD&T.
• Proficient Siemens NX user with Teamcenter working knowledge.
• Ability to perform fundamental thermofluidic and structural analysis.
• Experience reviewing data, resolving issues with test hardware, and identifying root cause in failures.
• Experience with cryogenic systems.
• Willing to travel to various production and test locations.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time and physically lift items weighing up to 50lbs.

$130,000 - $150,000 a 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, equity, and benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.
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.
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.