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 OpportunityWe are looking for aStaff Mechanical Engineerto lead the mechanical design and manufacturability of next-generationHall-effect thrustersfor spacecraft propulsion. This role is critical to ensuring that our propulsion systems not only achieve world-class performance and reliability in orbit but are also optimized for repeatable cost-effective and scalable production. The ideal candidate will blend deep expertise inmechanical design for extreme environmentswith a proven ability to drivedesign-for-manufacture DFM and design-for-assembly DFAprinciples into hardware that must survive launch and operate for years in space.How Youll Fulfill Your MissionThruster Mechanical ArchitectureOwn and develop the structural and thermal design of Hall-effect thruster components including discharge channels magnetic circuits and electrode assemblies.Design for ManufacturabilityDrive DFMDFA practices across the thruster hardware ensuring scalability from prototype to high-volume production.Material & Process SelectionEvaluate and specify advanced materials coatings and joining methods compatible with high-temperature plasma environments and long-duration missions.Analysis & VerificationPerform structural thermal and dynamic analyses to validate designs against launch loads thermal cycles and space environmental factors.Supplier EngagementCollaborate with manufacturing and supply chain partners to mature designs resolve producibility challenges and qualify vendors.Testing & QualificationDefine and support mechanical testing campaigns vibration shock thermal-vacuum life testing to ensure compliance with flight requirements.Cross-functional CollaborationWork closely with plasma physics electrical and systems engineering teams to balance mechanical design with thruster performance integration and mission needs.LeadershipMentor mechanical and propulsion engineers review critical designs and act as a subject matter expert in manufacturable spacecraft propulsion hardware.Continuous ImprovementLead efforts to simplify standardize and modularize thruster designs for reduced cost improved reliability and faster production cycles.Why We Value You5 years of experience in mechanical design of aerospace hardware including propulsion or high-reliability spacecraft systemsDeep expertise in mechanical design for spaceflight hardware including structural thermal and materials considerationsProven track record of applying DFMDFA principles to aerospace hardware that transitioned successfully into productionProficiency with CAD and analysis tools e.g. SolidWorks Creo NX ANSYS or equivalentHands-on experience with qualification testing for flight hardware vibration shock thermal-vacuumFamiliarity with spaceflight standards and certification processes NASA ESA ECSS MIL-STD or equivalentStrong communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence system-level decisions and mentor teamsBachelors or Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering or a related fieldDesired MultipliersDirect experience withelectric propulsion hardware particularly Hall-effect thrusters or ion enginesBackground in high-temperature materials ceramics or coatings for plasma-facing componentsExperience scaling hardware from engineering development units to flight production at quantityFamiliarity with additive manufacturing or other advanced manufacturing techniques for propulsion systemsPrevious experience serving as amechanical lead or system architectfor flight hardwareThe pay range for this role is150000 - 185000 per yearThe 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.You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here 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 ApplicantsAstra will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.ITAR RequirementsThis 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. 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.