Lead Propulsion Systems Engineer, Launch Vehicle

Astra Space Inc; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Astra Space Inc. in the San Francisco Bay Area is seeking a Lead Propulsion Systems Development Engineer to own the technical integration of a liquid rocket engine onto a launch stage.

You will lead cross‑functional teams across propulsion, structures, avionics, GNC, software, and test to ensure ground tests, qualification, and flight readiness. This hands‑on leadership role requires first‑principles propulsion analysis, rigorous design reviews, and close collaboration with suppliers and

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on experience in rocket propulsion, launch vehicle systems, propulsion test, engine development, or closely related hardware.
• Strong understanding of liquid propulsion system architecture, including tanks, feed systems, valves, pressurization, purge systems, chilldown, ignition, start/shutdown sequencing, and ground operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical work across propulsion, structures, avionics, GNC, software, manufacturing, test, safety, and suppliers.
• Experience managing requirements, interface control documents, verification plans, design reviews, test readiness reviews, and qualification evidence.
• Ability to perform first-principles propulsion analysis and system modeling using tools such as Python, MATLAB, Simulink, NPSS, or similar engineering tools.
• Experience analyzing test data and using it to drive design decisions, anomaly resolution, and qualification closure.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Responsibilities

• Own engine-to-stage integration plan for a turbopump-fed liquid propellant rocket engine, including mechanical, fluid, electrical, software, controls, thermal, operational, and safety interfaces.
• Develop, maintain, and verify propulsion system requirements, interface control documents, verification plans, and technical closure criteria.
• Lead cross-functional trades involving engine layout, feed system architecture, pressurization, chilldown, purge systems, start and shutdown sequencing, abort logic, operability, maintainability, and ground-test constraints.

Skills

Rocket propulsion

Launch vehicle systems

Cross-functional leadership

Engine testing

Python MATLAB Simulink

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NPSS

Job description

Astra Space Inc. in the San Francisco Bay Area is seeking a Lead Propulsion Systems Development Engineer to own the technical integration of a liquid rocket engine onto a launch stage.

You will lead cross‑functional teams across propulsion, structures, avionics, GNC, software, and test to ensure ground tests, qualification, and flight readiness. This hands‑on leadership role requires first‑principles propulsion analysis, rigorous design reviews, and close collaboration with suppliers and