Upper Stage Engine Technical Lead

Astra
United States
Workplace: OnsiteFull timeUSD 200,000 - 240,000 annuallyFunction: Administration & Executive AssistanceExperience: 10+ yearsEducation: high_schoolSkills: ["Technical leadership","Engineering judgment","Communication","Team leadership","First-principles thinking"]

Define the technical direction for the Rocket 4 upper stage propulsion system and serve as the propulsion technical authority. Lead engineering decisions and establish the engine architecture, owning technical success across concept, development, verification, hot-fire testing, qualification, and flight readiness. Manage a multidisciplinary team across propulsion, structures, avionics, GNC, software, manufacturing, test, and suppliers—partnering with program management to balance performance, reliability, cost, and schedule.

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FursaFursa
Astra
Astra
1 month ago

Upper Stage Engine Technical Lead

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Last checked: 12 hours agoStatus: Live

Job Summary

Define the technical direction for the Rocket 4 upper stage propulsion system and serve as the propulsion technical authority. Lead engineering decisions and establish the engine architecture, owning technical success across concept, development, verification, hot-fire testing, qualification, and flight readiness. Manage a multidisciplinary team across propulsion, structures, avionics, GNC, software, manufacturing, test, and suppliers—partnering with program management to balance performance, reliability, cost, and schedule.
Location: United States
Workplace: Onsite
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Administration & Executive Assistance
Seniority: Sr. Manager level

Key Responsibilities

  • •Serve as the technical authority for the Rocket 4 upper stage engine, establishing the technical baseline and approving major design decisions.
  • •Define propulsion system architecture and guide the evolution of the engine design throughout the program.
  • •Lead the overall engine development strategy, including verification planning, qualification approach, and technology maturation.
  • •Oversee multidisciplinary engineering across propulsion performance, combustion, turbomachinery, structures, thermal systems, engine controls, and avionics integration.
  • •Provide technical leadership for hot-fire testing and qualification, analyzing test data and leading failure investigations and recovery efforts.

Pay and Benefits

Salary: USD 200,000 - 240,000 annually
Perks:Health InsuranceVisionDental401k

Key Requirements

  • •Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field.
  • •10+ years developing liquid rocket propulsion systems or other highly integrated aerospace hardware.
  • •Deep knowledge of liquid rocket engine architecture (combustion devices, turbomachinery, feed systems, valves, pressurization, engine controls, thrust vector control, and engine operations).
  • •Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams from concept through test and qualification while staying deeply involved in design decisions.
  • •Experience with engineering requirements, verification plans, qualification strategies, and integrated development roadmaps.
Experience:10+ yearsAerospace hardwareLiquid rocket propulsionSpaceflight
Education:High School in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
Skills:Technical leadershipEngineering judgmentCommunicationTeam leadershipFirst-principles thinking

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