Mechanical Engineer

Job title: Mechanical Engineer

About the Role Mechanical Engineers at Astra design, analyze, build, and qualify hardware end-to-end—from concept to flight—supporting propulsion components, launch vehicle structures, ground support equipment, fluid systems, and test infrastructure. You will work on an interdisciplinary team in a fast-paced environment to bring complex hardware to life.

What You'll Do

• Design, analyze, and qualify rocket components/hardware—including structural assemblies, fluid system components (manifolds, valves, tanks, tubing, quick-disconnects), mechanisms, and ground support equipment/structures.
• Generate 3D models, fully dimensioned drawings, and interface control documents per ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards using Siemens NX (or equivalent CAD).
• Perform structural, thermal, and tolerance analyses using FEA tools (NASTRAN/NX Simcenter, Ansys) and hand calculations to validate design robustness.
• Support prototype builds, qualification campaigns, and acceptance testing; work directly with technicians to debug and iterate hardware.
• Develop and execute test plans for component- and system-level qualification; interpret results and drive design changes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders through design reviews (PDR/CDR/TRR), and maintain complete engineering documentation (Tech Data Packages, compliance plans, FMEAs).
• Identify and apply the right manufacturing process – machining, welding, brazing, forming, heat treating – for each design.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of team processes, tooling, and analytical capabilities.

What We're Looking For

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (Siemens NX strongly preferred; SolidWorks or CATIA considered).
• Working knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5F.
• Familiarity with common structural and fluid components and instrumentation.
• Strong communication skills - written and verbal - and the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team.
• Comfortable getting hands dirty: working directly with hardware, running tests, and troubleshooting on the floor.
• Able to work under guidance of senior engineers and begin to own discrete sub-components or test tasks.

Nice to Have

• Experience with structural FEA (NASTRAN) and/or thermal/CFD tools (Thermal Desktop, Star-CCM+).
• Background in high-pressure or cryogenic fluid systems (LOX, RP-1, or similar propellants).
• Experience with PLM tools (Teamcenter or similar).
• Familiarity with ASME, NASA, MIL-STD, or ECSS standards and how to apply them.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability hardware environments.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary ranges by level: Engineer I (new grads) $75,819-$115,000; Engineer II $92,248-$130,000; Senior Engineer $140,000-$180,000; Staff Engineer $160,000-$200,000 (USD, yearly).
• Equity, health, vision, dental, and 401(k).
• Lunch provided with snacks and drinks; ITAR-compliant work environment with accommodation for disabilities upon request.