Propulsion Technician

Astromecha; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 68,880 - 89,544; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) program

Self-managed and flexible time-off policy

Job summary

Astromecha is looking for a Propulsion Technician to join their manufacturing team in San Francisco, California. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of hands-on fabrication experience and be skilled in welding multiple alloys. Responsibilities include collaborating with engineering teams, operating manual machine shop equipment, and participating in prototype builds. Astromecha values in-office work to enhance collaboration and offers great benefits including flexible time-off and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on fabrication experience in aerospace, automotive, motorsports, or fast-paced manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated welding ability through prior projects, welding multiple alloys; certifications a strong plus.
• Ability to work autonomously and take ownership of high-impact hardware builds under fast development timelines.
• Capable of lifting 35 pounds, standing for long periods, and maneuvering in restricted spaces.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with design and engineering teams to optimize manufacturability.
• Contribute to prototype builds and rapid iteration cycles from concept to test article.
• Operate manual machine shop equipment including drills, cutting tools, mills, and lathes.
• Maintain test facility operations, troubleshoot problems, and ensure site cleanliness.
• Fabricate with sheet metal and perform fluid systems plumbing.

Skills

Welding multiple alloys

Hands-on fabrication experience

Interpret engineering drawings

Strong mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Tools

Inspection equipment

Precision calibrated tools

Job description

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.

If this sounds like how you operate, check out our job openings below.

Employment Type

Full time

Location Type

On-site

Department

Manufacturing

Compensation

• $50 – $65 per hour

ABOUT US

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected future. Our mission is to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. We believe that rapid, on-demand, point-to-point global mobility will become the new standard for moving people and goods across the planet. To achieve this, we are integrating our advanced airframe and engine technologies—which include Duality™, our proprietary dual‑use propulsion system—with a new flight operations model to make supersonic transport as efficient and economical as commercial air travel is today. In the near term, we are developing adaptable, high‑speed systems to close aircraft performance gaps for the United States government.

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.