Sr Manufacturing Engineer

astra; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health, vision, dental

401K

Lunch & snacks

Job summary

Astra Space Operations, LLC is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to develop and optimize production processes for space hardware on the production floor.

You will translate designs into manufacturing methods, support first builds, improve quality and throughput, and mentor technicians while applying Lean principles. Collaborate with Design Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure manufacturability and traceability, with strong emphasis on DFM/DFA and GD&T.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field.
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience or similar.
• Experience developing manufacturing processes, routings, work instructions, or production documentation.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, specifications, and quality requirements.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and how drawing requirements impact manufacturing, inspection, and assembly.
• DFM/DFA experience and ability to provide practical feedback to improve manufacturability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain manufacturing processes, routings, work instructions, and standard work from prototype through production.
• Translate engineering designs, BOMs, and specifications into manufacturing methods, including operation sequence, tooling needs, inspection points, and process controls.
• Support first builds, pilot builds, production readiness, and transition-to-production activities.
• Provide day-to-day production support to resolve build issues, documentation gaps, nonconformances, and production blockers.
• Partner with Design Engineering to provide DFM/DFA feedback that improves manufacturability and assembly flow.
• Partner with Quality to define acceptance criteria, inspection needs, traceability requirements, and manufacturing risk controls.
• Support tooling, fixture, equipment, layout, and capacity needs to scale production.
• Use data, root cause analysis, and Lean principles to improve quality, reduce cycle time, and increase throughput.
• Train production personnel on new processes, documentation, tools, and production standards.

Skills

Manufacturing Engineering

DFM/DFA

Reading drawings

GD&T

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Industrial/Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

MES

ERP

PLM

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

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will help develop and improve the processes used to build Astra hardware safely, repeatedly, and efficiently. You will work closely with Design Engineering, Quality, Production, Supply Chain, and Operations to turn engineering requirements into clear manufacturing plans, documentation, and production processes. This is a hands-on role for someone who is comfortable on the production floor, enjoys solving build issues, and can create structure in a fast-moving environment. The ideal candidate has strong manufacturing fundamentals, understands DFM/DFA, can read engineering drawings, and knows how to turn design intent into a practical build process.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

• Develop and maintain manufacturing processes, routings, work instructions, and standard work from prototype through production.
• Translate engineering designs, drawings, BOMs, and specifications into clear manufacturing methods, including operation sequence, tooling needs, inspection points, and process controls.
• Support first builds, pilot builds, production readiness, and transition-to-production activities.
• Provide day-to-day production support to resolve build issues, documentation gaps, nonconformances, and production blockers.
• Partner with Design Engineering to provide DFM/DFA feedback that improves manufacturability, assembly flow, quality, and repeatability.
• Partner with Quality to define acceptance criteria, inspection needs, traceability requirements, and manufacturing risk controls.
• Support tooling, fixture, equipment, layout, and capacity needs required to scale production.
• Use manufacturing data, root cause analysis, and Lean principles to improve quality, reduce cycle time, and increase throughput.
• Train production personnel on new processes, documentation, tools, and production standards.

Why We Value You

• You have a bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• You have 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or a similar role.
• You have experience developing manufacturing processes, routings, work instructions, standard work, or production documentation.
• You can read and interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, specifications, and quality requirements.
• You have working knowledge of GD&T and understand how drawing requirements impacts manufacturing, inspection, and assembly.
• You understand DFM/DFA principles and can provide practical feedback to improve manufacturability and assembly execution.
• You are comfortable working directly with technicians, operators, engineers, and cross‑functional teams.
• You are organized, hands-on, and able to solve problems in a fast-paced production environment.
• You communicate clearly and take ownership until issues are resolved, and processes are stable.

Desired Multipliers

• Experience working inaerospace or propulsion hardware manufacturing.
• Experience designing with CAD supporting fixtures, tools, templates, or production aids.
• Experience with MES, ERP, PLM, or manufacturing execution systems.
• Experience with new product introduction, production readiness, prototype builds, or production ramp.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, PFMEA, control plans, or process validation.
• Experience with equipment implementation, layout planning, capacity analysis, or line balancing.

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

Salary and Benefits

• 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 applicant’s ability to receive the appropriate clearance and be allowed to work on U.S. government contracts.

© Astra Space Operations, LLC. All rights reserved, Astra is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We encourage people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply.

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.