Staff Development Test Engineer

Astra; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health insurance

Lunch and snacks

401K

Job summary

Astra seeks a seasoned Test Engineer to own development test stands for propulsion and fluid systems from concept to first ignition. You design, build, and operate stands end-to-end, including P&ID development, component selection, fabrication, wiring, DAQ configuration, and rigorous post-test analysis.

Expect to lead test campaigns, troubleshoot under pressure, and contribute to hazard analyses. Equity and comprehensive benefits accompany a competitive salary in a mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in test engineering, propulsion, or aerospace GSE.
• Direct experience with high‑pressure fluid systems, cryogenics, or propellant handling.
• Comfortable working in hazardous operations and enforcing procedural rigor.
• Proficient with DAQ hardware and able to write basic sequences or scripts for data acquisition.
• Tube fabrication and fitting experience; able to read and mark up mechanical drawings.
• Take ownership of work from sketch to final test report.

Responsibilities

• Design and build test infrastructure for propulsion, fluids, and mechanical systems.
• Develop and own P&IDs from scratch.
• Select valves, pressure transducers, flow meters, relief devices, and structural hardware.
• Fabricate, fit, and assemble fluid system hardware.
• Troubleshoot and repair under pressure during active test campaigns.
• Write, review, and execute test procedures for hazardous operations including cryogenics and high-pressure gas.
• Commission new test stands from cold iron to first ignition.
• Support test operations as console operator, test conductor, or stand crew.

Skills

Test engineering

Propulsion systems

Aerospace GSE

DAQ hardware

Tools

DAQ hardware (NI/Beckhoff)

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

This role is focused on development test ownership across fluid systems, instrumentation, DAQ, test stand design/build, hazardous operations, live test execution, troubleshooting, and post-test analysis.

You will design, build, and operate development test stands for propulsion and fluid systems - from initial concept through first test. That means owning the hardware end-to-end: P&ID development, component selection, tube routing and fabrication, panel layout, wiring harness installation, DAQ configuration, and checkout. You won't hand off to a separate fab team. You build it, you stand it up, you run it.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

• Design and build test infrastructure for propulsion, fluids, and mechanical systems, including pressurization circuits, propellant loading and drain systems, flow stands, and proof/leak test rigs.
• Develop and own P&IDs from scratch.
• Select valves, pressure transducers, flow meters, relief devices, and structural hardware.
• Fabricate, fit, and assemble fluid system hardware.
• Troubleshoot and repair under pressure during active test campaigns.
• Write, review, and execute test procedures for hazardous operations including cryogenics, high-pressure gas, and flammable propellants.
• Commission new test stands from cold iron to first ignition.
• Support test operations as console operator, test conductor, or stand crew.

Why We Value You

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in test engineering, propulsion, or aerospace GSE.
• Demonstrated ability to take a test stand from blank paper to operating hardware.
• Direct experience with high-pressure fluid systems, cryogenics, or propellant handling.
• Comfortable working in a hazardous operations environment and holding others to procedural rigor.
• Proficient with DAQ hardware (NI, Beckhoff, or equivalent) and comfortable writing basic sequences or scripts for data acquisition.
• Tube fabrication and fitting experience a plus. Able to read and mark up mechanical drawings.
• Take ownership of work from first sketch to final test report.

The pay range for this role is: $160,000 - $190,000 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.

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.