Aerospace Mechanical Engineer, Ground Systems

Astra; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Astra is seeking a Ground Systems engineer to design and build the systems that support rocket testing and launch operations, focusing on mechanical and fluid systems—from propellant loading to fire suppression. You will combine hands-on hardware design with process definition to deliver reliable, mobile ground support equipment.

This role requires collaboration with propulsion, avionics, and operations teams and a passion for fast-paced, iterative development to enable daily launches to space.

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience in mechanical/structural design.
• Experience with fabrication, post weld heat treatment, and machining.
• Ability to analyze welded joints using hand-calcs and FEA per AWS or similar.
• Experience with bolted joint design.
• Proficient in CAD and PLM tools with large, shared assemblies.
• Own projects from beginning to end with little oversight.
• Desire to work in fast-paced, self-driven startup environment and enable daily launches to space.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical and fluid systems using CAD (NX preferred).
• Create and maintain P&IDs and operational flow diagrams.
• Define procedures for startup, shutdown, and emergency operations.
• Perform structural analysis for sizing and validation.
• Support system build, integration, and field testing.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, and operations teams.
• Improve system performance and maintainability over time.

Skills

Mechanical design

Fabrication processes

Welded joints analysis

Bolted joints design

CAD & PLM

Project ownership

Startup environment

Tools

NX CAD

PLM software

FEM/FEA

Job description

Astra is seeking a Ground Systems engineer to design and build the systems that support rocket testing and launch operations, focusing on mechanical and fluid systems—from propellant loading to fire suppression. You will combine hands-on hardware design with process definition to deliver reliable, mobile ground support equipment.

This role requires collaboration with propulsion, avionics, and operations teams and a passion for fast-paced, iterative development to enable daily launches to space.