Development Technician

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 Vehicle team at Astra is at the heart of our mission to provide frequent and affordable access to space. This team is responsible for the complete lifecycle of our rockets' core components, including the First Stage, Upper Stage, Payload, and Fairing. From initial design to hands‑on build and testing, the Vehicle team ensures the reliability and performance of every part of our launch system.

As a Development Technician at Astra you will play a hands‑on role focused on the fabrication and assembly of Rocket
4. Your responsibilities will span building flight parts, manufacturing tooling and test fixtures, and actively supporting critical test campaigns. You'll also help shape our processes by executing and providing feedback on development work instructions.

This is a highly technical, safety-focused role that requires attention to detail, mechanical and electrical aptitude, a strong desire to learn new skills and to work on systems that will operate in space.

• Able to read, understand, follow and provide feedback on work instructions and engineering drawings
• Document development projects, tests and work instructions
• Basic CAD navigation skills
• Ability to work inside tanks, confined spaces, on platforms and around moving machinery
• Experience with inspection of parts and materials including the use of measuring and inspection tools such as:
  • Calipers
  • Micrometers
  • Engineers scales
  • Pi tapes
  • Dial indicators
  • Plug gauges
• Proficient with sheet metal and tube fabrication tools including:
  • Sheet metal brake
  • Press brake
  • Shear
  • Slip roller both powered and manual
  • Tube roller
  • Band saw
  • Cold saw
  • Hydraulic press
  • Drill press
  • Manual mill and Lathe
  • Hand drills, grinders, sanders
  • Deburring hand tools
  • Riveting tools, Cherry Max and solid rivets
  • Nutplates, Click bond and riveted
  • TIG/MIG/laser welding manual and semi automated
  • Welding positioner setup
  • Waterjet operation and programming
  • Tube bending and flaring
  • Composites and vacuum bagging
  • Crane, forklift, and rigging
  • Painting
• Assemble and integrate complicated assemblies such as:
  • Experience with hand tools
  • Fastener Torqueing and Torque Marking
  • Helicoil and Key insert install
  • Fluidic fastener and Fitting installation
  • Experience with AN,ORB, swaglock
  • Harness installation and routing
  • Safety Wire and cable
  • Lox Cleaning
• Test Support:
  Assist in setup, execution, and teardown of system tests—including high pressure proof testing, leak testing, flow testing and load testing
• Maintain Systems:
  Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of vacuum hardware, pumps, and instrumentation
• Safety First:
  Follow safety protocols around high voltage, pressure systems, and hazardous materials
• Data Logging & Documentation:
  Support test execution by logging data, completing checklists, and ensuring proper documentation of procedures and outcomes
• Cross-Team
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work closely with engineering (test, design, manufacturing and software) and manufacturing technicians to ensure smooth and safe operations
• Troubleshoot Issues:
  Diagnose and resolve problems with build/test hardware, instrumentation, and manufacturing equipment in real time

• 2+ years of hands‑on experience working in sheet metal fabrication, complicated mechanical assemblies, or manual machining
• Proven troubleshooting skills in mechanical and fluidic systems
• Willingness to work non‑standard hours (evenings/weekends) as needed to support mission‑critical testing
• You take pride in high‑quality, detail‑oriented work
• High school diploma or GED required; technical certification or associate degree in a related field preferred

• Experience in aerospace or space startup environments
• Experience with cryogenics and high pressure gas systems
• Familiarity with aerospace sheet metal and propellant pressure vessel built and testing
• The ability to think critically, troubleshoot under pressure,…