Astra · 4 months ago
Staff Mechanical Engineer, Spacecraft Engine
Alameda, CA
Contract
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$150K/yr - $185K/yr
5+ years expAstra is on a mission to enhance life on Earth through space, offering innovative launch services and advanced propulsion systems. They are seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design of Hall-effect thrusters for spacecraft propulsion, focusing on manufacturability and performance in extreme environments.
AerospaceSatellite CommunicationSpace Travel
No H1B
Security Clearance Required
Responsibilities
Own and develop the structural and thermal design of Hall-effect thruster components including discharge channels, magnetic circuits, and electrode assemblies
Drive DFM/DFA practices across the thruster hardware, ensuring scalability from prototype to high-volume production
Evaluate and specify advanced materials, coatings, and joining methods compatible with high-temperature plasma environments and long-duration missions
Perform structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses to validate designs against launch loads, thermal cycles, and space environmental factors
Collaborate with manufacturing and supply chain partners to mature designs, resolve producibility challenges, and qualify vendors
Define and support mechanical testing campaigns (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum, life testing) to ensure compliance with flight requirements
Work closely with plasma physics, electrical, and systems engineering teams to balance mechanical design with thruster performance, integration, and mission needs
Mentor mechanical and propulsion engineers, review critical designs, and act as a subject matter expert in manufacturable spacecraft propulsion hardware
Lead efforts to simplify, standardize, and modularize thruster designs for reduced cost, improved reliability, and faster production cycles
Qualification
Required
5+ years of experience in mechanical design of aerospace hardware, including propulsion or high-reliability spacecraft systems
Deep expertise in mechanical design for spaceflight hardware, including structural, thermal, and materials considerations
Proven track record of applying DFM/DFA principles to aerospace hardware that transitioned successfully into production
Proficiency with CAD and analysis tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, NX, ANSYS, or equivalent)
Hands-on experience with qualification testing for flight hardware (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum)
Familiarity with spaceflight standards and certification processes (NASA, ESA, ECSS, MIL-STD, or equivalent)
Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence system-level decisions and mentor teams
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
Preferred
Direct experience with electric propulsion hardware, particularly Hall-effect thrusters or ion engines
Background in high-temperature materials, ceramics, or coatings for plasma-facing components
Experience scaling hardware from engineering development units to flight production at quantity
Familiarity with additive manufacturing or other advanced manufacturing techniques for propulsion systems
Previous experience serving as a mechanical lead or system architect for flight hardware
Company
Astra
Astra is a rocket launch startup that provides satellite delivery and launch services.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$390.9MKey Investors
BlackRock
2023-11-06Post Ipo Debt· $13.4M
2023-08-04Post Ipo Debt· $12.5M
2023-07-10Post Ipo Equity· $65M
Leadership Team
Chris Kemp
Founder and CEO
Adam London
Founder and CTO
Recent News
2026-01-21
2026-01-13
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