Production Technician (2 openings)

Astra Space Inc; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 55,104 - 75,768; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K

Lunch provided

Snacks and drinks available

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Alameda seeks a Production Technician to support the assembly, integration, and testing of aerospace hardware. The role demands strong mechanical and electrical skills, with responsibilities including assembling hardware from drawings, performing production tests, and troubleshooting issues in a dynamic environment. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma, technical certification preferred, along with 3-6 years of relevant experience. The position offers competitive pay and benefits, ensuring a collaborative and innovative work culture.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years of hands-on technician experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing.
• Experience assembling precision electro-mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with test equipment such as pressure gauges and data acquisition systems.

Responsibilities

• Assemble aerospace hardware from engineering drawings and instructions.
• Execute functional and environmental tests on production equipment.
• Diagnose mechanical and electrical issues during assembly or testing.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Electrical troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Ability to read engineering drawings

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical certification or associate degree

Tools

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Torque tools

Job description

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, you will support the assembly, integration, and test of aerospace hardware and subsystems used in spacecraft propulsion and launch vehicles. You will work from engineering documentation to build hardware, execute production tests, and support environmental and functional verification activities.

This is a highly hands‑on role requiring strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot hardware in a dynamic manufacturing and test environment.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

Assembly & Integration

• Assemble mechanical and electro‑mechanical aerospace hardware from engineering drawings, work instructions, and schematics
• Perform precision assembly using hand tools, torque tools, fixtures, and specialized equipment
• Support harness installation, wiring, and basic soldering or fabrication tasks
• Inspect components and assemblies to ensure compliance with quality and configuration requirements

Production Testing

• Set up and operate production test equipment and fixtures
• Execute functional and environmental tests following established procedures
• Prepare hardware for test, including instrumentation and sensor installation
• Monitor test operations and identify anomalies during test execution

Troubleshooting & Rework

• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and system‑level issues during assembly or testing
• Perform corrective actions, rework, or component replacement as required
• Work with engineers to identify root cause and implement corrective actions

Documentation & Data Collection

• Record build and test data, logs, and checklists in accordance with company procedures
• Maintain accurate production documentation and configuration control
• Provide clear feedback to engineering on build or test issues
• Assist with setup and maintenance of production and test equipment including vacuum chambers, vibration tables, thermal cycling chambers, hi‑pot testers, and multimeters.
• Support installation and upkeep of fixtures, instrumentation, and ground support equipment (GSE)
• Maintain safe, clean, and organized workspaces consistent with FOD and cleanroom practices
• Work closely with manufacturing engineers, test engineers, and quality teams
• Support production ramp and continuous improvement initiatives
• Communicate issues clearly to ensure hardware quality and schedule adherence

Why We Value You

• High school diploma or GED required
• Technical certification or associate degree in a related field preferred
• 3–6 years of hands‑on technician experience in aerospace, defense, or high‑reliability manufacturing
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills
• Experience assembling precision electro‑mechanical systems
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and test procedures
• Familiarity with test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, pressure gauges, and data acquisition systems
• Experience supporting hardware integration, functional testing, or environmental testing
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to ~35 lbs
• Ability to work with hardware in laboratory, cleanroom, or production environments

Desired Multipliers

• Aerospace production or spacecraft hardware experience
• Familiarity with cleanroom procedures, FOD control, or contamination control
• Experience supporting environmental testing (vibration, thermal, vacuum, or shock)
• Basic soldering, wiring, or harness fabrication skills
• Experience with pressure systems, vacuum systems, or propulsion hardware
• Forklift or crane operation certification

The pay range for this role is: $40-55/hr

Salary and Benefits

We're competitive in compensation and offer equity as part of the package. We have great benefits that include health, vision, dental, and 401K in comparison to other startups. We provide lunch and there's plenty of snacks and drinks to get you through the day.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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 applicant’s ability to receive the appropriate clearance and be allowed to work on U.S. government contracts.

Astra will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records (criminal histories) in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.