Test Technician III (Castle)

Astra Space Inc; Atwater (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision allowance

Dental coverage

401K

Equity

Lunch provided

Snacks and drinks

Job summary

Astra Space Inc. is seeking a Test Technician at our Castle test facility in Atwater, CA. You will build, operate, and maintain test stands, supporting engines, tanks, and stages for launch campaigns while collaborating with engineers and the site team.

You thrive in a hands-on environment, keep machinery running, and improve site readiness. Role requires strong fabrication and electrical skills, and willingness to travel to production or test locations as needed.

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on experience as a mechanic, technician, or fabricator.
• Experience using common and complex tools and machinery with safe handling.
• Fundamental fabrication knowledge: tube bending, cutting, metalwork, drawings.
• Hands-on electrical skills: reading schematics, wiring, soldering, continuity checks.

Responsibilities

• Build, repair, and check electrical panels, harnesses, and cable runs for test stands and site infrastructure.
• Install and verify sensors and DAQ channels with engineers before/after campaigns.
• Fabricate, assemble, troubleshoot, and repair hardware for test operations, incl. tube bending and fluid lines.
• Prepare test articles and stands for hazardous operations and service between tests.

Skills

Hands-on technician

Electrical skills

Fabrication

Reading schematics

Preventive maintenance

Equipment operation

Testing experience

Drive large vehicles

Education

Trade school / SAE / A&P certification

Tools

Electrical panels

DAQ systems

Tube bending

CAD software

MIG/TIG welding

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 Test Technician at Astra’s Castle test facility in Atwater, CA, you’ll build, operate, and maintain the test stands and site systems where we test engines, tanks, and integrated stages for the launch vehicle. From wiring panels and checking out instrumentation to keeping the vehicles, forklifts, and trailers the site depends on running, you’ll play a critical role in enabling safe, repeatable test operations.

You’ll collaborate closely with test engineers, electrical and controls engineers, and a small site team to deliver safe, maintainable solutions that work in the real world, on real hardware.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a hands‑on environment, loves keeping machines running, and enjoys leaving a site better organized than they found it.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

• Safety: Astra’s first priority is safety, and Test involves hazards from cryogenics to heavy lifting. Predict, monitor, and mitigate these hazards to minimize risk and prevent injuries
• Electrical & Wiring: Build, repair, and check out electrical panels, harnesses, connectors, and cable runs for test stands and site infrastructure
• Instrumentation & DAQ: Help install and verify sensors (pressure transducers, thermocouples, load cells) and data acquisition (DAQ) channels with the test engineers before and after each campaign
• Build & Fabrication: Fabricate, assemble, troubleshoot, and repair hardware and equipment needed for test operations, including tube bending and fluid line work
• Test Support: Prepare test articles and stands for hazardous test operations, service them between tests, and replenish consumables
• Fleet & Equipment Maintenance: Run a preventive maintenance schedule, with service logs, for site vehicles, forklifts, trailers, and shop equipment so nothing fails in the middle of a campaign
• Site Readiness & Inventory: Keep containers, toolboxes, and shop stock organized, and track spares such as LIN pump and air compressor parts so nothing stalls waiting on a part
• Collaboration: Partner with test, electrical, mechanical, and controls engineers to understand what each campaign needs and keep the site ready for i

Why We Value You

• 3+ years of hands‑on experience as a mechanic, technician, or fabricator, in motorsport, aerospace, automotive, heavy equipment, or industrial maintenance
• Experience using common and complex tools and machinery, and using and maintaining them safely
• Fundamental understanding of fabrication, such as tube bending, cutting, metalwork, and reading technical drawings
• Hands‑on electrical skills: reading schematics, wiring, crimping, soldering, and continuity checks
• Experience keeping vehicles or equipment on a preventive maintenance schedule and documenting the work
• Ability to understand and interpret P&IDs, or eagerness to learn
• Pride in maintaining a clean and orderly work space
• Ability to operate independently with minimal oversight
• Comfort working full time at a remote site with a small team

Desired Multipliers

• Experience with sensors and data acquisition systems, such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, load cells, and the wiring that connects them
• Experience building and running a preventive maintenance program for a vehicle or equipment fleet
• Ability to drive large trucks and trailers
• Experience handling and working with hazardous materials
• Broad mechanical, electrical, and cryogenic understanding
• MIG/TIG welding experienceExperience with CAD softwareTrade school training, or A&P or SAE certificationBackground in aerospace, automotive, or heavy equipmentAbility to stand for long periods of time and physically lift items weighing up to 50 lbsWillingness to travel to various production, test, and launch locations

  The pay range for this role is: $28-37/hr

  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 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.