Senior Mechanical Engineer, Ground Systems

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

Job summary

Astra’s Ground Systems team designs and builds the equipment that supports rocket testing and daily launches. Senior Mechanical Engineer, Ground Systems will focus on mechanical and fluid systems, from propellant loading to environmental control, safety, and reliability.

You’ll combine hands-on hardware design with defined processes to deliver mobile, reusable ground support equipment. The role requires 5+ years in mechanical/structural design, strong CAD (NX preferred), FEA or hand-calcs, and

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in mechanical/structural design.
• Experience with fabrication, post weld heat treatment, and machining.
• Ability to analyze welded joints using hand calcs and FEA per AWS or equivalents.
• Experience with bolted joint design and large assemblies.
• Owns projects from start to finish with minimal oversight.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical and fluid systems using CAD (NX preferred)
• Create and maintain P&IDs and operational flow diagrams
• Define procedures for startup, shutdown, and emergency operations
• Perform structural analysis for sizing and validation
• Support system build, integration, and field testing
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, and operations teams
• Improve system performance and maintainability over time

Skills

Mechanical design

Structural analysis

CAD design

Project ownership

Fast-paced environment

Tools

NX CAD

PLM software

FEM/FEA tools

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Ground Systems

Astra’s mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Today, Astra offers one of the lowest cost-per-launch dedicated orbital launch services, and one of the industry’s leading flight-proven electric propulsion systems for satellites, the Astra Spacecraft Engine.

The Team

The Ground System Structures Team is a cross-functional group of engineers working to design and improve our ground support equipment. We develop the structures necessary to transport, erect, hold down, and release an orbital-class rocket. Our team touches all aspects of system design including concept development, detailed design, analysis, and drawings. The team is also responsible for the development of qualification test plans and supporting testing and launch operations.

Our systems are modular and rapidly deployable, enabling global transport and fast assembly. By delivering flexible, reliable infrastructure, we help increase launch readiness and support Astra’s mission to enable more frequent and affordable space missions.

The Opportunity

Join Astra’s Ground Systems team to design and build the systems that support rocket testing and launch operations. You’ll focus on mechanical and fluid systems - from propellant loading and environmental control to fire suppression and pad safety. This role combines hands‑on hardware design with process definition to deliver reliable, mobile ground support equipment.

How You’ll Fulfill Your Mission

• Design mechanical and fluid systems using CAD (NX preferred)
• Create and maintain P&IDs and operational flow diagrams
• Define procedures for startup, shutdown, and emergency operations
• Perform structural analysis for sizing and validation
• Support system build, integration, and field testing
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, and operations teams
• Improve system performance and maintainability over time

Why We Value You:

• 5+ years' experience in mechanical/structural design
• You are experienced with a variety of structural design processes including fabrication, and post weld heat treatment and machining
• You can analyze welded joints using hand‑calcs and FEA per AWS or equivalent standard
• You are experienced with bolted joint design
• You are experienced with CAD and PLM software tools, particularly with large, shared assemblies
• You own projects from beginning to end, with little oversight
• You’re excited to work in a fast‑paced, self‑driven, iterative startup environment, and to build the systems that enable daily launches to space

Desired Multipliers

• Cryogenic or high‑pressure system design
• Familiarity with ASME B31.3, AWS D10.18, or similar codes
• Experience operating or supporting field‑deployed systems
• Knowledge of aerospace or launch safety standards
• Experience in aerospace or space startup environments preferred
• Experience with release mechanisms and actuators

The pay range for this role is: $140,000 - $180,000 per year

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range in the San Francisco Bay Area and excludes additional earnings such as bonus and benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Astra, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

San Francisco Applicants: Astra will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records (criminal histories) in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

ITAR Requirements: This position requires compliance with U.S. Government space technology trade restrictions, specifically the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and additional regulations governing satellite, launch vehicle, missile, and other related technologies. All jobs restricted by these regulations will be contingent upon the applicant’s status as a documented U.S. Person or their ability to receive a trade license from the cognizant government agency; in addition to any required company background checks and in compliance with applicable U.S. and California laws. Similarly, positions requiring the ability to work on government contracts or a security clearance are also contingent upon the applicants ability to receive the appropriate clearance and be allowed to work on U.S. government contracts.