Development Technician (2)

Location: Alameda, CA

Department: Engineering

The Team

The Vehicle team at Astra is at the heart of our mission to provide frequent and affordable access to space. This team is responsible for the complete lifecycle of our rockets' core components, including the First Stage, Upper Stage, Payload, and Fairing. From initial design to hands-on build and testing, the Vehicle team ensures the reliability and performance of every part of our launch system. 

The Opportunity 

As a Development Technician at Astra you will play a hands-on role focused on the fabrication and assembly of Rocket 4. Your responsibilities will span building flight parts, manufacturing tooling and test fixtures, and actively supporting critical test campaigns. You'll also help shape our processes by executing and providing feedback on development work instructions.

This is a highly technical, safety-focused role that requires attention to detail, mechanical and electrical aptitude, a strong desire to learn new skills and to work on systems that will operate in space.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

• Able to read, understand, follow and provide feedback on work instructions and engineering drawings
• Document development projects, tests and work instructions
• Basic CAD navigation skills
• Ability to work inside tanks, confined spaces, on platforms and around moving machinery 
• Experience with inspection of parts and materials including the use of measuring and inspection tools such as:
• • Calipers
  • Micrometers
  • Engineers scales
  • Pi tapes
  • Dial indicators
  • Plug gauges
• Proficient with sheet metal and tube fabrication tools including;
• • Sheet metal brake
  • Press brake
  • Shear
  • Slip roller both powered and manual
  • Tube roller
  • Band saw
  • Cold saw
  • Hydraulic press
  • Drill press
  • Manual mill and Lathe
  • Hand drills, grinders, sanders
  • Deburring hand tools
  • Riveting tools, CherryMax and solid rivets 
  • Nutplates, Click bond and riveted
  • TIG/MIG/laser welding manual and semi automated
  • Welding positioner setup 
  • Waterjet operation and programming
  • Tube bending and flaring 
  • Composites and vacuum bagging
  • Crane, forklift, and rigging
  • Painting
• Assemble and integrate complicated assemblies such as:
• • Experience with hand tools
  • Fastener Torqueing and Torque Marking
  • Helicoil and Key insert install
  • Fluidic fastener and Fitting installation
  • • Experience with AN,ORB, swaglock 
  • Harness installation and routing
  • Safety Wire and cable
  • Lox Cleaning
• Test Support: Assist in setup, execution, and teardown of system tests—including high pressure proof testing, leak testing, flow testing and load testing
• Maintain Systems: Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of vacuum hardware, pumps, and instrumentation
• Safety First: Follow safety protocols around high voltage, pressure systems, and hazardous materials
• Data Logging & Documentation: Support test execution by logging data, completing checklists, and ensuring proper documentation of procedures and outcomes
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with engineering (test, design, manufacturing and software) and manufacturing technicians to ensure smooth and safe operations
• Troubleshoot Issues: Diagnose and resolve problems with build/test hardware, instrumentation, and manufacturing equipment in real time

Why We Value You

• 2+ years of hands-on experience working in sheet metal fabrication, complicated mechanical assemblies, or manual machining
• Proven troubleshooting skills in mechanical and fluidic systems
• Willingness to work non-standard hours (evenings/weekends) as needed to support mission-critical testing
• You take pride in high-quality, detail-oriented work
• High school diploma or GED required; technical certification or associate degree in a related field preferred

Desired Multipliers 

• Experience in aerospace or space startup environments
• Experience with cryogenics and high pressure gas systems 
• Familiarity with aerospace sheet metal and propellant pressure vessel built and testing
• The ability to think critically, troubleshoot under pressure, and adapt quickly to evolving build and test conditions

The pay range for this role is: $50.00 - $60.00 per hour

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.

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 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 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.

About the Company

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.