Production Technician - Feed System

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

As a Production Technician on the Astra Spacecraft Engine (ASE) team, you'll play a critical role in building and testing our spacecraft propulsion systems. This is a hands-on position where your mechanical assembly skills will directly impact the performance and reliability of flight hardware. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams-Engineering, Supply Chain, Mission Assurance, Product, and Program Management-to assemble precision feed system components and all-up propulsion modules.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

• Component Assembly: Build and integrate critical propulsion feed system components using specialized tools and techniques, ensuring precision and repeatability.
• Wiring & Harnessing: Route, terminate, and secure harnesses following strict standards and drawings; ensure quality and cleanliness in high-integrity systems.
• Mechanical Assembly: Align, fasten, and secure mechanical parts using torqued fasteners, adhesives, and bonding methods while maintaining tight tolerances.
• Quality Inspection: Perform in-process and final inspections using precision measuring instruments to verify compliance with detailed engineering specs.
• Documentation: Accurately record assembly steps, torque values, part serials, and any deviations or process updates in production systems.
• Troubleshooting: Proactively identify and resolve assembly and integration issues; work closely with engineers to implement corrective actions.
• Cleanroom Protocols: Adhere to cleanroom procedures including gowning, ESD practices, and contamination control standards.
• Safety Compliance: Follow all safety protocols when working with hazardous materials, high-pressure systems, and sensitive hardware.
• Team Contribution: Support fellow technicians, participate in continuous improvement efforts, and contribute to the development of work instructions and assembly standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on mechanical assembly or technician experience in aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing
• Experience working in a cleanroom and following ESD best practices (e.g., ANSI/ESD S20.20 or MIL-STD-1686)
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, wiring schematics, and work instructions
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to implement feedback in real time
• Demonstrated success contributing to the development of manufacturing processes and standards
• Comfortable working overtime, including weekends, to support critical program needs
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; capable of cross-functional communication with engineers, supply chain, and program teams
• Able to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted and perform physically demanding assembly tasks
• Trusted, reliable teammate with a track record of accountability and follow-through

Desired Multipliers

• Experience working in a fast-paced, ambiguous startup or high-growth environment
• Attention to detail paired with a strong sense of urgency and ownership
• Familiarity with environmental testing procedures in a space or defense manufacturing setting
• Willingness to assist in training other technicians and contribute to knowledge-sharing across the team

The pay range for this role is: $40.00 - $55.00 per hour

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.

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.

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.