Propulsion Technician

Department: Manufacturing

Location: San Francisco

Compensation: $50 – $65 per hour

Employment Type: FullTime

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected future. Our mission is to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. We believe that rapid, on-demand, point-to-point global mobility will become the new standard for moving people and goods across the planet. To achieve this, we are integrating our advanced airframe and engine technologies—which include Duality™, our proprietary dual-use propulsion system—with a new flight operations model to make supersonic transport as efficient and economical as commercial air travel is today. In the near term, we are developing adaptable, high-speed systems to close aircraft performance gaps for the United States government.

WHO WE ARE:

We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

WHO YOU ARE:

Astro Mechanica is seeking a Propulsion Technician to join our growing manufacturing and prototyping team. The ideal candidate is a highly skilled hands-on builder who takes pride in crafting precise, high-performance components that push the boundaries of aerospace engineering. You have a deep understanding of materials, fabrication techniques, and mechanical systems—and you thrive in an environment where speed, precision, and innovation intersect.

Your work at Astro Mechanica will have a direct impact on the development of next-generation high-speed aircraft, contributing to both prototype and production systems that enable faster, more connected global travel. In this role, your mission will be to turn cutting-edge designs into flight-ready hardware through expert craftsmanship, problem-solving, and close collaboration with our engineering and manufacturing teams.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Collaborate frequently with design and engineering teams to optimize manufacturability, ensure structural integrity, and refine fabrication processes.

• Contribute to prototype builds and rapid iteration cycles, supporting the full lifecycle from concept to test article.

• Maintain test facility operations and maintenance, troubleshoot problems, site cleanliness

• Monitor and maintain sufficient inventory of equipment, supplies, and instrumentation

• Operate manual machine shop equipment (drills, cutting tools, mills, lathes)

• Fabricate with sheet metal (forming, shearing, rolling, stamping)

• Material joining (GTAW welding, brazing, soldering, mechanical fastening)

• Fluid systems plumbing (tube routing, swaging, flaring)

• Harness assembly (crimping/soldering terminals, cable lacing, troubleshooting)

• Maneuver heavy objects with forklift, rigging equipment

• Conducts work efficiently while in a safe and professional manner

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• Demonstrated welding ability through prior projects, welding multiple alloys; certification(s) a strong plus.

• 5+ years of hands-on fabrication experience in aerospace, automotive, motorsports, or other fast-paced manufacturing environments.

• Familiarity with pressurized systems, fluid systems hardware and instrumentation

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, P&ID, electrical schematics

• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of structural principles, materials, and joining methods.

• Ability to work autonomously and take ownership of high-impact hardware builds under fast development timelines.

• Experience with inspection equipment and precision calibrated tools

• Takes initiative for continuous improvement (not just completing assigned tasks)

• Attentive to detail and committed to maintaining the highest levels of quality in all work.

• A team-oriented mindset with a passion for building something extraordinary.

• Capable of lifting 35 pounds, stand for long periods, maneuver in restricted spaces, work low to ground and on raised platforms

PERKS & BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan

• Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time

• Flexible work environment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.

Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.