Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Astra
Job overview
The Senior Mechanical Engineer, Valves & Fluid Systems at Astra leads the design, development, and qualification of critical fluid components for launch success, impacting the company's space launch capabilities.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves owning mechanical design for valves and fluid components, performing analyses, leading hardware development and testing, collaborating with cross-functional teams for integration, and mentoring junior engineers.
Compensation and benefits
The position offers a base salary range of $130,000 to $160,000 per year in the San Francisco Bay Area, excluding bonuses and benefits.
Experience and skills
Candidates should have 4+ years in mechanical engineering in aerospace or similar fields, proficiency in CAD and FEA, strong manufacturing knowledge, hands-on skills, and a B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; experience with high-pressure or cryogenic systems and leadership is preferred.
Career development
Opportunities include mentoring junior engineers, leading multi-disciplinary efforts, and contributing to continuous improvement and team standards.
Work environment and culture
Astra values diverse perspectives, a humble and team-first mindset, and thrives in a fast-paced, innovative startup environment with a focus on collaboration and accountability.
Company information
Astra is a space company focused on low-cost orbital launch services and electric propulsion systems, aiming to improve life on Earth from space.
Team overview
The candidate will join the Valves & Fluid Systems team, collaborating closely with propulsion, test, and structures teams, technicians, and manufacturing personnel.
Job location and travel
The job is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with ITAR compliance requirements and considerations for local hiring laws.
Unique job features
The role is distinguished by hands-on involvement in high-pressure and cryogenic fluid system design, leadership in failure investigations, and working on cutting-edge space launch technology under strict regulatory compliance.
Company overview
Astra is a space technology company focused on providing cost-effective and frequent access to space through the development and launch of small rockets. They generate revenue by offering launch services to commercial, government, and defense customers, enabling the deployment of satellites and other payloads into orbit. Founded in 2016, Astra has made significant strides in the aerospace industry, including achieving its first successful orbital launch in 2021. The company's mission is to improve life on Earth by making space more accessible and affordable.
How to land this job
Tailor your resume to highlight your expertise in mechanical design of valves, actuators, and fluid system components, emphasizing your experience with high-pressure and cryogenic fluid systems as noted in the job description.
Focus on showcasing your proficiency in CAD tools like NX or SolidWorks, your skills in structural and thermal analysis, and your hands-on experience with manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, and brazing.
Apply through multiple channels including Astra's corporate careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility and ensure you reach the right talent acquisition teams.
Connect on LinkedIn with engineers and managers in Astra's Valves & Fluid Systems or propulsion teams; start conversations with ice breakers such as asking about recent projects involving fluid system innovations or expressing enthusiasm for Astra’s mission to improve life on Earth through space technology.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description like 'valves,' 'fluid systems,' 'FEA,' 'GD&T,' 'cryogenic,' and 'high-pressure systems' to ensure your resume passes initial automated screenings.
Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate applying across multiple platforms, tailor your resume with relevant keywords, and identify LinkedIn contacts for networking, allowing you to focus your time on interview preparation and skill enhancement.
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