Senior Upper Stage Propulsion Technical Lead

Astra Space Inc; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health insurance

Vision and dental

401(k)

Lunch provided

Job summary

Astra Space Inc. in the United States is seeking an Upper Stage Engine Technical Lead to define the technical direction and lead the Rocket 4 upper stage propulsion development.

This highly technical leadership role combines deep engineering judgment with the ability to build and guide a high-performing team from concept through qualification and flight readiness. You will establish propulsion system architecture, drive major design decisions, and collaborate across propulsion, structures,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience developing liquid rocket propulsion systems.
• Experience leading the technical development of propulsion hardware from concept through test and qualification.
• Deep understanding of liquid rocket engine architecture and propulsion subsystems.
• Strong first-principles engineering capability across multiple disciplines.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams with hands-on involvement.
• Experience creating engineering requirements, verification plans, and development roadmaps.
• Excellent communication skills with senior engineering and executive stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Define propulsion architecture and lead engine design evolution through the program.
• Lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts spanning performance, turbomachinery, structures, controls, and avionics integration.
• Oversee verification and qualification activities with evidence-based decision making.
• Provide technical leadership for hot-fire test campaigns and data analysis.
• Recruit, mentor, and manage a high-performing propulsion team.
• Establish high engineering standards via rigorous reviews and cross-functional collaboration.
• Collaborate with program management to align technical strategy with schedule and cost.
• Drive technical risk management and ensure flight readiness.

Skills

Propulsion engineering

Technical leadership

First principles

Systems integration

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master's or PhD in a related field

Job description

Astra Space Inc. in the United States is seeking an Upper Stage Engine Technical Lead to define the technical direction and lead the Rocket 4 upper stage propulsion development.

This highly technical leadership role combines deep engineering judgment with the ability to build and guide a high-performing team from concept through qualification and flight readiness. You will establish propulsion system architecture, drive major design decisions, and collaborate across propulsion, structures,