Sr Electric Propulsion Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health, vision, dental insurance

401K matching

Lunch and snacks provided

Job summary

Astra Space Inc. is seeking a Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer to own major areas of Hall-effect thruster design, analysis, and test for spacecraft propulsion.

This journey-level role requires deep knowledge of electric propulsion and the ability to work independently while guiding junior engineers. The ideal candidate will have a solid plasma physics background, hands-on thruster testing experience, and proficiency in modeling tools.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft propulsion engineering, with hands-on experience in electric propulsion hardware.
• Complete knowledge of Hall-effect thruster design principles, including discharge chamber design, magnetic circuits, and cathode integration.
• Full understanding of plasma physics, ionized gas dynamics, and electric propulsion practices within the discipline.
• Hands-on experience planning and executing thruster test campaigns, including performance, plume, and wear testing.
• Strong modeling & simulation skills using tools like COMSOL, ANSYS, SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink, or PIC codes.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and test Hall-effect thrusters for spacecraft propulsion.
• Conduct system-level trade studies balancing thrust, efficiency, Isp, mass, power, and lifetime for LEO/GEO missions.
• Develop analytical and numerical models to predict thruster performance.
• Plan and execute thruster test campaigns and correlate results with models.
• Collaborate with spacecraft systems engineers to define interfaces and integration requirements.
• Propose and implement design improvements to enhance performance, lifetime, and manufacturability.
• Mentor junior engineers and prepare technical reports and test plans.
• Support propulsion performance data and trade studies for mission reviews.

Skills

Hall-effect thruster design

Plasma physics

Modeling & simulation

Test planning & execution

Independent problem solving

Technical communication

Education

Aerospace Engineering

Physics

Tools

COMSOL

ANSYS

SPICE

MATLAB/Simulink

PIC codes

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 are seeking a Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer to take ownership of significant areas of Hall-effect thruster design, analysis, and test for spacecraft propulsion. This is a journey-level position requiring complete knowledge of electric propulsion principles and practices. You will work independently with general direction, assess and resolve a wide range of technical challenges using sound judgment and creative problem-solving, and provide guidance to more junior team members. The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in plasma physics, thruster design, and electric propulsion systems and is ready to take responsibility for meaningful portions of our thruster programs while collaborating across mechanical, electrical, and systems teams.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

• Thruster Design & Analysis: Take responsibility for significant elements of Hall-effect thruster design, including discharge chamber geometry, magnetic circuit layout, cathode integration, and thermal management. Assess unusual design challenges and apply sophisticated analytical techniques to identify root causes and develop solutions.
• Performance Analysis: Conduct system-level trade studies balancing thrust, efficiency, specific impulse, mass, power consumption, and lifetime, with a primary focus on LEO constellation missions and emerging higher-power GEO applications. Devise solutions based on limited information and precedent where needed.
• Modeling & Simulation: Develop, apply, and maintain analytical and numerical models (plasma, thermal, structural, and electromagnetic) to predict thruster performance, adapting existing modeling approaches and suggesting variations to resolve issues.
• Test & Characterization: Plan and execute thruster test campaigns (anode efficiency, plume characterization, cathode coupling, thermal cycling, wear tests), correlating results against model predictions and using evaluation and judgment to select the right course of action when results deviate from expectations.
• System Integration: Collaborate with spacecraft systems engineers to define interfaces, verify requirements, and support the integration of propulsion subsystems into the vehicle. Resolve a wide range of integration issues creatively.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Demonstrate creative thinking by evaluating advanced concepts (e.g., magnetic shielding, alternative propellants, improved channel materials) and creating and implementing effective design improvements to enhance performance, lifetime, and manufacturability.
• Guidance & Review: Provide guidance to junior engineers on the team, contribute to peer reviews of designs, and prepare technical reports, test plans, and design documentation for internal and external reviews.
• Mission Support: Support customer and mission-level reviews by preparing propulsion performance data and trade study inputs for LEO constellation and GEO spacecraft programs.

Why We Value You

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft propulsion engineering, with hands-on experience in electric propulsion hardware.
• Complete knowledge of Hall-effect thruster design principles, including discharge chamber design, magnetic circuits, and cathode integration.
• Full understanding of plasma physics, ionized gas dynamics, and electric propulsion practices within the discipline.
• Hands-on experience planning and executing thruster test campaigns, including performance, plume, and wear testing.
• Proficiency in one or more modeling and simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink, PIC codes, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, assess diverse technical problems, and adapt existing approaches to resolve issues.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to provide guidance to junior team members and present technical findings clearly.

Desired Multipliers

• Master's or Ph.D. in electric propulsion or plasma physics.
• Direct experience with Hall-effect thrusters for LEO satellite constellations or GEO station-keeping and orbit-raising applications.
• Familiarity with advanced propellants (e.g., krypton, iodine) and their effects on thruster design and performance.
• Exposure to lifetime extension methods (e.g., magnetic shielding, erosion-resistant channel materials).
• Experience supporting the transition of propulsion hardware from R&D prototypes toward flight production.

Salary and Benefits

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

We're competitive in compensation and offer equity as part of the package. We have great benefits that include health, vision, dental, and 401K in comparison to other startups. We provide lunch and there's plenty of snacks and drinks to get you through the day.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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.

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.