Propulsion Technician

Astro Mechanica CORP.; California; On-site; USD 34,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vis

401(k) and stock option plan

Self-managed and flexible time-off (PT

Flexible work environment

Job summary

Astro Mechanica, an aerospace manufacturing company in California, seeks a Propulsion Technician to build high‑precision flight hardware and prototype components. You will collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to turn design intent into robust, testable hardware.

The role requires hands-on fabrication, welding, sheet metal work, and experience interpreting drawings. It offers an in-office environment with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and rapid development cycles.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on fabrication experience in aerospace, automotive, motorsports, or other fast-paced manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with design and engineering to optimize manufacturability and fabrication processes.
• Support prototype builds and rapid iteration from concept to test article.
• Maintain test facility operations and troubleshoot issues.
• Monitor inventory of equipment, supplies, and instrumentation.
• Operate manual machine shop equipment (drills, mills, lathes).
• Fabricate with sheet metal (forming, shearing, rolling, stamping).
• Weld and join materials (GTAW welding, brazing, soldering, mechanical fastening).
• Hydraulics/fluid systems plumbing and tubing routing.
• Harness assembly and cable management.
• Lift and rig heavy objects safely.
• Maintain high safety and quality standards.

Skills

Hands-on fabrication

Welding

Aerospace manufacturing

Engineering drawings

Machining

P&ID interpretation

Safety-conscious

Team collaboration

Job description

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.

WHO WE ARE:

We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

WHO YOU ARE:

Astro Mechanica is seeking a Propulsion Technician to join our growing manufacturing and prototyping team. The ideal candidate is a highly skilled hands-on builder who takes pride in crafting precise, high-performance components that push the boundaries of aerospace engineering. You have a deep understanding of materials, fabrication techniques, and mechanical systems—and you thrive in an environment where speed, precision, and innovation intersect.

Your work at Astro Mechanica will have a direct impact on the development of next-generation high-speed aircraft, contributing to both prototype and production systems that enable faster, more connected global travel. In this role, your mission will be to turn cutting-edge designs into flight-ready hardware through expert craftsmanship, problem-solving, and close collaboration with our engineering and manufacturing teams.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Collaborate frequently with design and engineering teams to optimize manufacturability, ensure structural integrity, and refine fabrication processes.
• Contribute to prototype builds and rapid iteration cycles, supporting the full lifecycle from concept to test article.
• Maintain test facility operations and maintenance, troubleshoot problems, site cleanliness
• Monitor and maintain sufficient inventory of equipment, supplies, and instrumentation
• Operate manual machine shop equipment (drills, cutting tools, mills, lathes)
• Fabricate with sheet metal (forming, shearing, rolling, stamping)
• Material joining (GTAW welding, brazing, soldering, mechanical fastening)
• Fluid systems plumbing (tube routing, swaging, flaring)
• Harness assembly (crimping/soldering terminals, cable lacing, troubleshooting)
• Maneuver heavy objects with forklift, rigging equipment
• Conducts work efficiently while in a safe and professional manner

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

• Demonstrated welding ability through prior projects, welding multiple alloys; certification(s) a strong plus.
• 5+ years of hands-on fabrication experience in aerospace, automotive, motorsports, or other fast-paced manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with pressurized systems, fluid systems hardware and instrumentation
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, P&ID, electrical schematics
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of structural principles, materials, and joining methods.
• Ability to work autonomously and take ownership of high-impact hardware builds under fast development timelines.
• Experience with inspection equipment and precision calibrated tools
• Takes initiative for continuous improvement (not just completing assigned tasks)
• Attentive to detail and committed to maintaining the highest levels of quality in all work.
• A team-oriented mindset with a passion for building something extraordinary.
• Capable of lifting 35 pounds, stand for long periods, maneuver in restricted spaces, work low to ground and on raised platforms

PERKS & BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan
• Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time
• Flexible work environment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.

Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.