Senior Mechanical Engineer, Mechanisms

Astra Space Inc; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design and test critical components for propulsion systems. The role involves leading the design of valves and actuators, ensuring they perform under extreme conditions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical design and experience with CAD and FEA tools. Join a team dedicated to advancing space technology and making a significant impact on future missions.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in mechanical design.
• Experience designing and qualifying hardware including valves and regulators.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle design of mechanical components.
• Drive prototyping and hands-on validation.
• Collaborate across propulsion, structures, avionics, and test.

Skills

Mechanical Design

CAD

FEA

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Job description

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 Opportunity

We’re looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer who is passionate about the inner workings of complex mechanisms. In this role, you will take ownership of valves, actuators, and fluid control hardware - the mechanical backbone of our launch and propulsion systems. You’ll lead the design, build, and test of precision components that manage the flow of cryogenic and hypergolic propellants under extreme environments. If you get excited by mechanisms, motion, and making hardware work in the harshest conditions, this is your chance to build systems that literally fuel spaceflight.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

Design & Analysis

• Lead the full lifecycle design of mechanical components: valves, actuators, regulators, and fittings used in vehicle propulsion and ground systems
• Apply FEA, CFD, and tolerance analyses to validate structural integrity, fluid performance, and thermal resilience
• Translate functional needs into manufacturable designs that withstand dynamic and thermal loads

Build & Test

• Drive prototyping and hands-on validation, including actuation testing, environmental screening, and hot-fire campaigns
• Debug system-level fluid/mechanical behavior and lead root cause investigations
• Work with internal shops and suppliers to deliver quality parts - fast
• Collaborate across propulsion, structures, avionics, and test to ensure seamless mechanical integration and operation of moving components
• Define interface requirements and support design-to-test transitions, including test stands and HIL setups
• Review and guide mechanical designs and test strategies within the fluids and mechanisms team
• Share knowledge and elevate engineering rigor through mentorship and documentation

Why We Value You

• 3+ years of experience in mechanical design
• Demonstrated experience designing and qualifying hardware, including but not limited to valves, regulators, or high-pressure fittings
• Expert in CAD (SolidWorks, Creo) and FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, etc.)
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a related engineering field

Desired Multipliers

• E xperience with cryogenic fluids, LOX/RP-1, or hypergolic systems
• CFD or thermal/fluid modeling skills
• Background in hot-fire testing or launch vehicle hardware qualification
• Familiarity with ASME, NASA, or MIL pressure system standards
• Experience working in a fast-paced startup or early-stage company environment, with the ability to thrive under ambiguity and tight timelines

The pay range for this role is: $130,000 - $160,000 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.