Propulsion Test Engineer: Build & Run Development Stands

Astra; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health insurance

Lunch and snacks

401K

Job summary

Astra seeks a seasoned Test Engineer to own development test stands for propulsion and fluid systems from concept to first ignition. You design, build, and operate stands end-to-end, including P&ID development, component selection, fabrication, wiring, DAQ configuration, and rigorous post-test analysis.

Expect to lead test campaigns, troubleshoot under pressure, and contribute to hazard analyses. Equity and comprehensive benefits accompany a competitive salary in a mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in test engineering, propulsion, or aerospace GSE.
• Direct experience with high‑pressure fluid systems, cryogenics, or propellant handling.
• Comfortable working in hazardous operations and enforcing procedural rigor.
• Proficient with DAQ hardware and able to write basic sequences or scripts for data acquisition.
• Tube fabrication and fitting experience; able to read and mark up mechanical drawings.
• Take ownership of work from sketch to final test report.

Responsibilities

• Design and build test infrastructure for propulsion, fluids, and mechanical systems.
• Develop and own P&IDs from scratch.
• Select valves, pressure transducers, flow meters, relief devices, and structural hardware.
• Fabricate, fit, and assemble fluid system hardware.
• Troubleshoot and repair under pressure during active test campaigns.
• Write, review, and execute test procedures for hazardous operations including cryogenics and high-pressure gas.
• Commission new test stands from cold iron to first ignition.
• Support test operations as console operator, test conductor, or stand crew.

Skills

Test engineering

Propulsion systems

Aerospace GSE

DAQ hardware

Tools

DAQ hardware (NI/Beckhoff)

Job description

Astra seeks a seasoned Test Engineer to own development test stands for propulsion and fluid systems from concept to first ignition. You design, build, and operate stands end-to-end, including P&ID development, component selection, fabrication, wiring, DAQ configuration, and rigorous post-test analysis.

Expect to lead test campaigns, troubleshoot under pressure, and contribute to hazard analyses. Equity and comprehensive benefits accompany a competitive salary in a mission-driven environment.