Senior Mechanical Engineer, Valves & Fluid Systems

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

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Senior Mechanical Engineer, where you'll lead the design and development of critical fluid systems for launch success. This hands-on role requires collaboration with diverse teams, ensuring that hardware is built and tested efficiently. Your expertise in mechanical engineering will be pivotal in driving innovative solutions within a dynamic environment. If you're passionate about aerospace and thrive in a fast-paced setting, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact in the industry.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in mechanical engineering across aerospace or defense.
• Proficient in CAD and generating detailed drawings with GD&T.
• Hands-on builder comfortable with debugging and working closely with technicians.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of fluid components for launch success.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration.
• Provide guidance to junior engineers and contribute to team standards.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

CAD (NX, SolidWorks)

Structural Analysis

Thermal Analysis

Manufacturing Processes

Team Collaboration

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Valves & Fluid 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 Opportunity

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer on Astra’s Valves & Fluid Systems team, you’ll lead the design, development, and qualification of fluid components critical to launch success. You’ll work on everything from high-pressure valves and actuators to cryogenic plumbing and quick-disconnects—owning designs from early concept through flight.

This is a hands-on, high-accountability role that requires deep technical judgment, close collaboration with cross-functional teams, and a willingness to jump in wherever needed. You’ll work closely with technicians, test engineers, and manufacturing to ensure hardware gets built, tested, and delivered on time.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

Design & Analysis

• Own mechanical design for valves, actuators, and fluid system components
• Perform structural, thermal, and tolerance analyses to validate design robustness
• Help define requirements and contribute to system-level engineering efforts

Development & Testing

• Lead hardware development through prototyping, environmental testing, and hot-fire campaigns
• Drive root cause investigations and implement corrective actions

Systems Integration

• Collaborate with propulsion, test, and structures teams to ensure seamless integration
• Deliver complete engineering documentation to support manufacturing and test operations
• Provide guidance to junior engineers and share design best practices
• Contribute to team standards, tooling, and continuous improvement efforts

Why We Value You

• 4+ years in mechanical engineering across aerospace, defense, or similar high-reliability fields
• Proven track record in owning hardware from concept through test and production
• Proficient in CAD (NX, SolidWorks, etc.) and generating detailed drawings with GD&T
• Strong FEA fundamentals and experience in structural and thermal simulation
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, welding, brazing, and heat treating
• Hands-on builder who’s comfortable wrenching, debugging, and working closely with technicians
• Humble, team-first mindset - you're comfortable with self-direction, but also take feedback well and step up wherever the team needs help
• B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline

Desired Multipliers

• Experience designing and qualifying high-pressure (6000+ psi) or cryogenic fluid systems (LOX, RP-1, etc.)
• Background in complex mechanical mechanisms (e.g., Safe & Arm Devices, Arm/Fire Devices, actuators)
• Ownership of complete Tech Data Packages, compliance plans, and program reviews (PDR/CDR/TRR)
• Familiarity with ASME, NASA, or MIL standards and how to apply them in hardware design
• Startup or early-stage company experience, thriving in fast-paced, ambiguous environments
• Demonstrated ability to lead failure investigations and implement corrective actions
• Track record of mentoring engineers and leading multi-disciplinary efforts

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.