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 Opportunity
This is a
hands-on quality engineering role
designed for an early-career engineer who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will support production by driving inspection rigor, investigating hardware nonconformances, and implementing process improvements that protect mission success. The ideal candidate has
aerospace manufacturing exposure, strong blueprint interpretation skills, and experience supporting inspection or production quality activities
. You will work closely with Manufacturing, Design Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to ensure hardware meets
drawing requirements, process controls, and aerospace quality standards.
Fast-Paced Innovation
Work in a dynamic environment where solving difficult engineering and manufacturing challenges is part of everyday life.
Growth & Ownership
Early-career engineers at Astra are trusted with real responsibility andhave the opportunity towork directly on flight-critical hardware.
How You'll Fulfill Your Mission
Manufacturing Quality Support
- Partner with manufacturing teams on the production floor to ensure hardware is built and inspected to engineeringand industryrequirements.
- Support in-process inspections and verification activities for propulsion and structural hardwareand systems.
Inspection & Verification
- Interpret engineering drawings and specifications, includingGD&T, to verify hardware compliance.
- Support incoming inspection, in-process inspection, and final acceptance activities.
- Develop and refine inspection criteria, inspection plans, and acceptance documentation.
Non-Conformance Management
- Document and investigate hardware nonconformances and supportMaterial Review Board (MRB)activities.
- Coordinate containment actions and ensure proper documentation and traceability.
Root Cause & Corrective Action
- Support Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations using structured methodologies such as5-Why, Fishbone, and 8D.
- Help implement corrective actions that improve manufacturing quality and reduce defect recurrence.
Process Improvement
- Analyze quality and production data toidentifytrends, recurring issues, and opportunities for yield improvement.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance manufacturing consistency and hardware reliability.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Manufacturing, Design Engineering, and Supply Chain to resolve quality issues and support production readiness.
- Contribute toManufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR), Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), and quality assessmentsasrequired.
Why We Value You
Education
- Bachelor’s degree inMechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Experience
- 2-5years of experiencein a high-reliability manufacturing environment such as aerospace, defense, automotive, or medical devices.
Technical Skills
- Ability to read and interpretengineering drawings and GD&T.
- Familiarity with inspection techniques and quality documentation practices.
Problem Solving
- Exposure toRCCA, CAPA, or structured problem-solving methodologies.
Communication
- Strong written and verbal communication skills fordocumenting technical findings and collaborating across engineeringand manufacturing teams.
Eligibility
- Must be aU.S. Citizen or Permanent Residentdue to ITAR/export control requirements.
Desired Multipliers
- Experience working inaerospace or propulsion hardware manufacturing.
- Familiarity withAS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management systems.
- Experience supportinginspection, MRB, or production quality activities.
- Knowledge ofcleanroom protocols and ESD handling practices.
- Experience withdigital manufacturing systems such as MES, PLM, or ERP platforms(e.g., Teamcenter, ION,Odoo).
- Exposure toLean, Six Sigma, or ASQ quality methodologies.
The pay range for this role is:
$92,248-122,979
Salary and Benefits
We're competitive in compensation and offer equity as part of the package. We have great benefits that include health, vision, dental, and 401K in comparison to other startups. We provide lunch and there's plenty of snacks and drinks to get you through the day.We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
Please contact us to request accommodation.
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.
© Astra Space Operations, LLC. All rights reserved, Astra is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We encourage people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply.
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.
