Skip to content

Mechanical

Sr Development Test Engineer

Astra logoAstra$140,000–$180,000/yrAlameda, CAPosted 6mo ago
  • ITAR / US person

How this pay compares

This posting states $140k–$180k a year. Open test engineer jobs in California post a median of $155k a year, the middle half $135k–$177k, across 179 jobs that state their pay, so this one is within the middle half of what they post.

Test engineers in California: pay by town and employer

About the job

## The Opportunity This role is focused on development test ownership across fluid systems, instrumentation, DAQ, test stand design/build, hazardous operations, live test execution, troubleshooting, and post-test analysis. You will design, build, and operate development test stands for propulsion and fluid systems - from initial concept through first test.

That means owning the hardware end-to-end: P&ID development, component selection, tube routing and fabrication, panel layout, wiring harness installation, DAQ configuration, and checkout. You won't hand off to a separate fab team.

You build it, you stand it up, you run it. ## How You'll Fulfill Your Mission - Design and build test infrastructure for propulsion, fluids, and mechanical systems, including pressurization circuits, propellant loading and drain systems, flow stands, and proof/leak test rigs. - Develop and own P&IDs from scratch. - Select valves, pressure transducers, flow meters, relief devices, and structural hardware. - Fabricate, fit, and assemble fluid system hardware. - Troubleshoot and repair under pressure during active test campaigns. - Write, review, and execute test procedures for hazardous operations including cryogenics, high-pressure gas, and flammable propellants. - Commission new test stands from cold iron to first ignition. - Support test operations as console operator, test conductor, or stand crew. ## Why We Value You - 5+ years of hands-on experience in test engineering, propulsion, or aerospace GSE. - Demonstrated ability to take a test stand from blank paper to operating hardware. - Direct experience with high-pressure fluid systems, cryogenics, or propellant handling. - Comfortable working in a hazardous operations environment and holding others to procedural rigor. - Proficient with DAQ hardware (NI, Beckhoff, or equivalent) and comfortable writing basic sequences or scripts for data acquisition. - Tube fabrication and fitting experience a plus.

Able to read and mark up mechanical drawings. - Take ownership of work from first sketch to final test report. The pay range for this role is: $140,000 - $180,000 per year ## Salary and Benefits We're competitive in compensation and offer equity as part of the package. We have great benefits that include health, vision, dental, and 401K in comparison to other startups.

We provide lunch and there's plenty of snacks and drinks to get you through the day. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Please contact us to request accommodation. 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. ## © Astra Space Operations, LLC. All rights reserved, Astra is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

We encourage people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply. 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. 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.

From Astra's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.

Selected agencies hiring now

These agencies and apps pay SpaceJobs.Now a referral fee when someone we introduce is placed or signs up. It costs you nothing and never changes your pay. Employers' own jobs below keep their own order.

Sponsored

Sponsored jobs from job networks, which pay SpaceJobs.Now when you click one.

Free tools for this application: check your resume against this job, answer the application's questions or see every free tool.

New mechanical, structures and thermal engineering jobs in space in California, by email

One email a week with the newest ones, straight from the employers' own careers sites, with the pay each posting states. Free, stop anytime.

About Astra

Rockets and rocket engines, built in Alameda, California.

Pay on its listings: 72.2% of its open jobs state an hourly rate

How it pays: Paid as an employee on Astra's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).

More open jobs at Astra

More mechanical, structures and thermal engineering jobs in space

A mechanical, structures or thermal engineer?

One profile for every employer here. Space companies and their recruiters ask us for people with a specific degree, clearance, specialty or location: add yours once, and when a job fits, we introduce you, only with your yes. Free.

Create my profile

Astra openings, sent to you weekly

Each week we send the newest postings from Astra's own careers site, along with similar openings at other space employers. It costs nothing and you can stop anytime.