Astras 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 industrys leading flight-proven electric propulsion systems for satellites, the Astra Spacecraft Engine.
The Opportunity
As a Senior Launch Automation Engineer, you will own the algorithms that automatically load and launch our rockets. Youll 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.
How Youll Fulfill Your Mission
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 CICD 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 - youre 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.
Youre 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:
Pay Range
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.
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 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 applicants 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.