Astra

Lead Propulsion Systems Development Engineer

Alameda, CA · Contract

Sponsorship not specified$200k-$240kDetected 1 day ago

PythonMATLABData AnalysisCybersecurityAvionicsMechanical DesignAerospace EngineeringSimulinkLeadershipCollaborationProblem Solving

About the role

Serve as the primary technical integrator for propulsion system performance, interfaces, operations, and verification.
Model engine and stage interactions including feed system pressure drops, transient behavior, tank pressurization, propellant conditioning, inlet conditions, mixture ratio, thrust, specific impulse, and operational margins.
Correlate analytical models against hot-fire and system-level test data to improve predictive capability and close verification objectives.

Astra is seeking a Lead Propulsion Systems Development Engineer to own the technical integration of a liquid rocket engine onto the stage of Astra's launch vehicle.
Reporting to the Head of Propulsion, you will manage the engine and propulsion system requirements, lead key development design reviews through the Astra Development Process, and drive the technical closure of engine-to-stage interfaces.
Develop, maintain, and verify propulsion system requirements, interface control documents, verification plans, and technical closure criteria.
Drive technical decision-making across propulsion, structures, avionics, GNC, software, manufacturing, test, launch operations, safety, and supplier teams.
Lead or coordinate analysis specialists to complete design trades, substantiate margins, support design reviews, and resolve technical issues discovered during test.
The Team The Engines team is responsible for developing, integrating, testing, and qualifying the propulsion systems that power Astra's launch vehicles.
The Opportunity Astra is seeking a Lead Propulsion Systems Development Engineer to own the technical integration of a liquid rocket engine onto the stage of Astra's launch vehicle.

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.
Organize and lead the technical work required to substantiate propulsion system qualification for flight.

$200,000-240,000 Salary and Benefits We're competitive in compensation and offer equity as part of the package.

The Engines team is responsible for developing, integrating, testing, and qualifying the propulsion systems that power Astra's launch vehicles.
We work across the full propulsion lifecycle - from requirements definition and engine-to-vehicle integration through test planning, hot-fire execution, data review, qualification, and flight readiness.
This role sits at the intersection of engine development, launch vehicle integration, test, operations, avionics, structures, GNC, manufacturing, and supplier technical management.
You will help turn a rocket engine into a reliable, integrated propulsion system that can be operated, tested, qualified, and flown.

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 req

This listing is sourced directly from Astra's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.