Astra

Sr Instrumentation & Controls Test Engineer

Alameda, CA · Senior · Contract

Sponsorship not specified$140k-$180kDetected 17 days ago

PythonC++BashPowerShellGitLinuxCybersecurityAvionicsPLCSensorsControlsLabVIEWCommunicationCollaboration

About the role

Your work will directly influence the safety, repeatability, and performance of propulsion, avionics, and spacecraft hardware testing.
Operate confidently in headless Linux environments, using Git for version control and scripting tools (e.g., Bash, PowerShell) for automation and system management.
You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position.

You will serve as a technical lead across multiple projects, mentor junior engineers, and be trusted to architect scalable control solutions that support rapid iteration and flight readiness.
How You'll Fulfill Your Mission Architect and implement robust, real-time state machines to automate test stand operations, including complex sequencing, fault detection, and recovery logic.
Design, deploy, and maintain instrumentation systems for pressure, temperature, flow, vibration, and electrical measurements across engine and subsystem testbeds.
Develop scalable control software and hardware solutions to support current and future test infrastructure.
Build and wire up harnesses and controls cabinets, ensuring high-quality electrical integration and safety compliance.
Drive standardization and continuous improvement in I&C test practices across the team.
Own commissioning of new test stands, including PLC configuration, sensor integration, and safety interlocks.
Analyze complex test data and use system-level insight to drive failure investigations and performance improvements.

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.
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.

$140,000-180,000 per year 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.

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.