Senior Mechanical Engineer, Ground Systems

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 Ground Systems Fluids Team comprises engineers specializing in fluid systems, component specification, and mechanical design. We develop fluid systems essential for various aerospace applications, including the storage and transfer of propellants, initiation of propulsion systems, and maintenance of stringent environmental conditions for payloads during transport and pre-launch phases. Our involvement spans the entire system design process, from creating fluid system models and piping and instrumentation diagrams to specifying components and overseeing mechanical implementation.

We work with a diverse range of fluids, including low and high-pressure liquids and gases, cryogenics, and pyrophoric substances.

Our ground systems are engineered for versatility and rapid deployment. Designed to be housed within shipping containers or compact enough for flatbed trailers, these systems can be transported globally and assembled within days. This design philosophy ensures adaptability across various aerospace operations, facilitating swift and efficient support for different mission requirements.

By focusing on innovative ground system solutions, our team contributes to enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the broader goal of achieving more frequent and reliable access to space.

Join our dynamic team of engineers and technicians dedicated to developing innovative fluid systems for aerospace ground support equipment. As an engineer on this team, you'll be involved in specifying, analyzing, designing, procuring, assembling, and testing fluid systems that support various aerospace operations. This includes managing gas and liquid storage and transfer, as well as overseeing pad safety and fire suppression systems.

Emphasis is placed on minimizing costs, enabling rapid deployment schedules, ensuring efficient in-field operations, and facilitating ease of maintenance.

This role offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including Ground Structures and Controls, Propulsion, Avionics, and Operations, to ensure seamless integration and operation of ground support systems across diverse aerospace applications.

• Lead Subsystem Development: Manage entire subsystems of our ground systems, defining requirements and creating design solutions from initial concepts to detailed solid models and released drawings. This includes developing assembly, maintenance, and operation instructions.
• Design Fluid Routing Layouts: Develop fluid routing layouts, perform line-sizing, and source components for future iterations of the launcher, ensuring efficient and reliable fluid transfer.
• Develop Qualification Testing Plans: Create and execute qualification testing plans for your systems to validate performance and compliance with specifications.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work closely with teams including electrical, mechanical, controls, and software engineers to support launch operations. Conduct design reviews, implement feedback, and ensure cross-team requirements are met.
• Utilize NX Software Tools: Demonstrate proficiency with NX software tools for managing large shared assemblies, contributing to efficient design processes.
• Adapt in a Dynamic Environment: Thrive in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment, showing eagerness to engage in hands‑on work and tackle challenges proactively.

• 5+ years' experience in Two or More of the Following Areas:
  • Fluid System Design and Specification:
    Expertise in designing, sizing, and specifying equipment for fluid systems.
  • P& and Creation:
    Ability to interpret and develop Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
  • Operation and Troubleshooting of High-Pressure Systems:
    Experience operating and troubleshooting liquid and pneumatic systems exceeding 6,000 PSI.
  • Knowledge of Fluid…