Sr. Controls Engineer, Ground Systems

Astra
United States
Workplace: OnsiteFull timeUSD 140,000 - 180,000 annuallyFunction: Hardware, Embedded & Systems EngineeringExperience: 5+ yearsEducation: bachelorsSkills: ["Hands-on debugging","Collaboration","Technical documentation","Troubleshooting","Safety focus"]

Design and implement the control systems that power Astra’s automated ground system and launch equipment, supporting rocket testing and launch operations. Build and maintain control software in Python and develop reliable hardware interfaces across sensors, actuators, and safety interlocks. Own bring-up, debugging, and troubleshooting in real-time environments, while partnering across mechanical, electrical, test, and launch teams and producing clear documentation and operator procedures.

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FursaFursa
Astra
Astra
2 months ago

Sr. Controls Engineer, Ground Systems

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Last checked: 14 hours agoStatus: Live

Job Summary

Design and implement the control systems that power Astra’s automated ground system and launch equipment, supporting rocket testing and launch operations. Build and maintain control software in Python and develop reliable hardware interfaces across sensors, actuators, and safety interlocks. Own bring-up, debugging, and troubleshooting in real-time environments, while partnering across mechanical, electrical, test, and launch teams and producing clear documentation and operator procedures.
Location: United States
Workplace: Onsite
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Hardware, Embedded & Systems Engineering
Seniority: Mid level

Key Responsibilities

  • •Architect, implement, and maintain control systems for factory and test infrastructure, including safety interlocks.
  • •Write and maintain Python-based control software with data acquisition and real-time control loops plus hardware communication.
  • •Support initial bring-up, debug, and refinement of new control systems on the floor, solving real-time issues.
  • •Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and test engineers to translate system requirements into cross-disciplinary solutions.
  • •Create system documentation, operator manuals, and test procedures to support ongoing use and scalability.

Pay and Benefits

Salary: USD 140,000 - 180,000 annually
Perks:Health InsuranceVisionDental401k

Key Requirements

  • •5+ years developing and deploying real-world control systems in test or production environments.
  • •Strong proficiency in Python for automation and control applications.
  • •Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, CAN, EtherCAT, and RS-485.
  • •Experience with PLCs, industrial PCs, or embedded control systems, including hands-on debugging and software-hardware integration.
  • •Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Controls Engineering (or equivalent experience).
Experience:5+ yearsAerospaceAutomotiveAdvanced manufacturing
Education:Bachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Controls Engineering
Skills:Hands-on debuggingCollaborationTechnical documentationTroubleshootingSafety focus
Tech Stack:PythonModbusCANEtherCATTCP/IPRS-485PLCSCADALinuxGitNI hardware/software

Company Brief

Astra
Develops and launches small orbital rockets and space systems to provide rapid, cost-effective access to space for commercial and government customers, focusing on responsive launch services and satellite deployment.
Industry: Space Technology
Company Size: Large (251 to 1,000 employees)
Growth: Public Company
Valuation: Public Company (Market Cap in USD)
Funding: IPO / Publicly Listed
Headquarters: Alameda, United States
Founded: 2016
WebsiteLinkedIn