Propulsion Technician

astro-mechanica; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) program and stock option plan

Flexible time-off policy

Flexible work environment

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in San Francisco seeks a skilled Propulsion Technician to join the manufacturing team. In this role, you will collaborate with engineering teams, optimize fabrication processes, and ensure high-quality builds for next-generation aircraft. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of fabrication experience, strong welding skills, and the ability to work independently. We offer competitive benefits and a supportive work environment focused on collaboration and innovation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on fabrication experience in aerospace or related fields.
• Demonstrated welding ability with multiple alloys; certification is a plus.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and electrical schematics.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with design and engineering to optimize manufacturability.
• Contribute to prototype builds and maintain test facility operations.
• Fabricate with sheet metal and perform fluid systems plumbing.

Skills

Welding

Hands-on fabrication

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Team-oriented mindset

Tools

Inspection equipment

Manual machine shop equipment

Job description

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.
• Conduct 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.