Sr Launch Automation Engineer

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

Job summary

Astra is hiring a Senior Launch Automation Engineer in Alameda, CA. In this role, you will be responsible for automating the processes that load and launch rockets, including modeling fluid and pneumatic systems and developing test automation. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in controlling physical systems, particularly fluid and thermal systems. A strong command of MATLAB/Simulink is essential. The position offers a salary range of $130,000-$160,000 along with a dynamic startup environment focused on space innovation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience modeling and controlling physical systems.
• Strong experience with MATLAB/Simulink and Simscape.
• Understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and process control theory.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-fidelity simulations of cryogenic, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Create algorithms and control sequences for launch operations.
• Build out test automation across all environments.

Skills

Modeling and controlling physical systems

Fluid dynamics

Thermal systems

Strong interpersonal skills

MATLAB/Simulink

Education

Advanced degree in chemical, mechanical, aerospace engineering, or physics

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.

Overview

The Opportunity

As a Senior Launch Automation Engineer, you will own the algorithms that automatically load and launch our rockets. You\'ll model the fluid and pneumatic systems that fuel and pressurize our vehicles, develop the automation sequences that execute countdown, and build the simulations that let us validate operations before they run on hardware. Your work directly enables every launch.

Responsibilities

• Model: Develop high-fidelity simulations of cryogenic, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems — including propellant loading, tank pressurization, and two-phase flow dynamics
• Automate: Create the algorithms and control sequences that execute launch operations from propellant conditioning through terminal count and liftoff
• Test: Build out test automation across all environments, including Simulink simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and CI/CD pipelines
• Partner: Work with propulsion, avionics, and GNC teams to define critical interfaces, specify component and system requirements, and contribute to decisions that shape future launch systems
• Launch: Support countdown operations from mission control, monitoring fluid systems and responding to anomalies in real time
• Analyze: Use ground test and launch data to identify system behavior, validate models, and improve simulation fidelity
• Ownership: End-to-end responsibility for large aspects of the launch automation system

Why We Value You

• You have 5+ years of experience modeling and controlling physical systems, particularly fluid and thermal systems
• You have an advanced degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or equivalent
• You have strong experience with MATLAB/Simulink and Simscape for physical system modeling
• You understand fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and process control theory — you\'re comfortable with mass/energy balances, two-phase flow, and control loop design
• You possess strong interpersonal skills with the ability to articulate ideas, give technical feedback, and mentor team members
• 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

• Experience modeling and controlling fluidic systems, including cryogenics and two-phase flow
• Background in chemical engineering, process engineering, or propulsion systems
• Experience with launch vehicle ground support equipment or propulsion test stands
• Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop simulation and real-time system integration
• Verification via unit tests, SIL/HIL, and Monte Carlo simulation is second nature
• Experience with hazardous fluid systems, high-pressure gas, or propellant handling operations

Who Thrives Here

This role is ideal for:

• Chemical or process engineers with strong modeling skills who want to apply fluid systems expertise to spaceflight
• Controls engineers who love physical system simulation and want their models to run actual launch sequences
• Propulsion test engineers who've modeled engine or test stand fluid systems and want to own launch day
• Aerospace engineers with thermal/fluids focus looking for hands-on impact

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

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 ITAR, 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.