Senior I&C Test Engineer - Space Propulsion & Test Systems

Astra; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Astra is seeking a Senior Instrumentation & I&C Test Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and improvement of our test infrastructure for propulsion, avionics, and spacecraft hardware testing.

You will serve as a technical lead across projects, mentor junior engineers, and architect scalable control solutions that enable rapid iteration and flight readiness in headless Linux environments with Git and scripting tools.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience in instrumentation and control systems for test or automation.
• Deep knowledge of real-time control systems and state machines.
• Proficiency with Git and scripting for automation.
• Experience in headless Linux environments and remote deployments.
• Strong understanding of data acquisition systems and industrial protocols.
• Experience wiring harnesses and building control panels.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement real-time state machines to automate test stand operations.
• Design and maintain instrumentation for pressure, temperature, flow, vibration, and electrical measurements.
• Develop scalable control software and hardware to support test infrastructure.
• Commission new test stands including PLC configuration and safety interlocks.
• Lead cross-functional engineering efforts across software, mechanical, avionics, and propulsion teams.
• Analyze test data and drive failure investigations and performance improvements.

Skills

Instrumentation & Controls

Real-time control systems

Python

LabVIEW

C/C++

Git

Bash

PowerShell

Headless Linux

Mentoring

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls, Mechatronics, or related field

Tools

NI LabVIEW

CAN / EtherCAT / Modbus

NI hardware (DAQ, instrumentation)

PLC

PCB design (CAD)

Job description

Astra is seeking a Senior Instrumentation & I&C Test Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and improvement of our test infrastructure for propulsion, avionics, and spacecraft hardware testing.

You will serve as a technical lead across projects, mentor junior engineers, and architect scalable control solutions that enable rapid iteration and flight readiness in headless Linux environments with Git and scripting tools.