Astra

Production Vacuum Test Technician (2 openings)

Alameda, CA · Contract

Sponsorship not specified$40k-$50kDetected 16 days ago

Cybersecurity

About the role

As a Test Technician at Astra, you will play a hands-on role in testing our Astra Spacecraft Engine (ASE) Hall-effect thruster modules in vacuum environments that simulate space conditions.

Assist in setup, execution, and teardown of propulsion system tests-including thrusters, feed systems, and support electronics
Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of vacuum hardware, pumps, and instrumentation
Support test execution by logging data, completing checklists, and ensuring proper documentation of procedures and outcomes

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.

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.
The Team The Astra Test Team is responsible for verifying that flight hardware will successfully operate in space.
We execute testing for increasingly high-throughput production of our thruster modules and related subsystems, plus continual development testing for new programs and capabilities.
The Opportunity As a Test Technician at Astra, you will play a hands-on role in testing our Astra Spacecraft Engine (ASE) Hall-effect thruster modules in vacuum environments that simulate space conditions.
You'll be responsible for preparing, operating, and maintaining vacuum chambers, assembling test setups, and supporting critical R&D and production test campaigns.
This is a highly technical, safety-focused role that requires attention to detail, mechanical and electrical aptitude, and a strong desire to work on systems that will operate in space.

$40 - $50 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.

The Astra Test Team is responsible for verifying that flight hardware will successfully operate in space.
To make this all happen, we also develop and operate state-of-the-art facilities for testing plasma thrusters in conditions that simulate the space and launch environment - high vacuum, thermal, vibration, and shock.

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.