Upper Stage Engine Technical Lead

Upper Stage Engine Technical Lead

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

Astra is seeking an Upper Stage Engine Technical Lead to define the technical direction and lead the development of the Rocket 4 upper stage propulsion system.

This is a highly technical leadership role for an experienced propulsion engineer who combines deep engineering judgment with the ability to build and lead a high-performing engineering team. As the technical authority for the engine, you will establish the propulsion system architecture, drive critical engineering decisions, and own the technical success of the engine throughout its development lifecycle.

Reporting to the Head of Propulsion, you will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for developing the engine from concept through qualification and flight. You will partner closely with program management to develop the overall engine development strategy and execution plan while working across propulsion, structures, avionics, GNC, software, manufacturing, test, launch operations, and supplier organizations to deliver a propulsion system ready for flight.

If you enjoy making difficult technical decisions, building exceptional engineering teams, and leading the development of complex hardware from concept through launch, this role is for you.

• Serve as the technical authority for the Rocket 4 upper stage engine, establishing the technical baseline and approving major design decisions.
• Define the overall propulsion system architecture and guide the evolution of the engine design throughout the development program.
• Critically evaluate engineering analyses, design proposals, test results, and technical recommendations to ensure decisions are grounded in first principles and sound engineering judgment.
• Balance performance, reliability, manufacturability, operability, schedule, and cost when making technical decisions and establishing program priorities.
• Own the engine-level technical risk posture and drive timely resolution of complex engineering challenges.

• Define and lead the overall engine development strategy, including technology maturation, hardware build progression, verification planning, and qualification approach.
• Evaluate alternative propulsion concepts and development approaches—including derivative engines, clean-sheet designs, and third-party propulsion solutions—to identify the best technical path
• Partner with program management to develop and execute an integrated engine development plan that balances technical risk, schedule, cost, and available resources.
• Organize and lead major technical reviews through the Astra Development Process, including architecture reviews, PDRs, CDRs, TRRs, qualification reviews, and flight readiness reviews.

• Lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts spanning propulsion performance, combustion devices, turbo machinery, structures, thermal systems, engine controls, and avionics integration.
• Ensure subsystem designs converge into a cohesive engine system that satisfies vehicle-level requirements and interface constraints.
• Lead technical investigations, design trades, and root cause efforts throughout the development program.
• Oversee engine verification and qualification activities, ensuring analytical and test evidence supports flight certification.

• Provide technical leadership for engine development and qualification hot-fire test campaigns.
• Review engine test objectives, instrumentation plans, operating procedures, and success criteria.
• Analyze hot-fire test data to assess engine performance, identify anomalies, validate analytical models, and guide future hardware and test planning.
• Lead multidisciplinary failure investigations and technical recovery efforts following significant test anomalies.

• Recruit, build, mentor, and lead a…