{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"d37ef2ad91c381a14c14931e","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/d37ef2ad91c381a14c14931e","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/d37ef2ad91c381a14c14931e","title":"Upper Stage Engine Technical Lead","description":"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.\r\nThe Team\r\nThe Engines team is responsible for developing, integrating, testing, and qualifying the propulsion systems that power Astra's launch vehicles. We work across the full engine lifecycle — from architecture definition and concept development through detailed design, hardware development, hot-fire testing, qualification, and flight readiness.\r\nThe Rocket 4 upper stage propulsion system represents one of Astra's most important technical development efforts. Whether the optimal solution is the evolution of an existing engine, the development of a new engine architecture, or the integration of a third-party propulsion system, our team is responsible for delivering a flight-ready propulsion system that meets the performance, reliability, operability, and cost objectives of the vehicle.\r\nThe Opportunity\r\nAstra is seeking an Upper Stage Engine Technical Lead to define the technical direction and lead the development of the Rocket 4 upper stage propulsion system.\r\nThis is a highly technical leadership role for an experienced propulsion engineer who combines deep engineering judgment with the ability to build and lead a high-performing engineering team. As the technical authority for the engine, you will establish the propulsion system architecture, drive critical engineering decisions, and own the technical success of the engine throughout its development lifecycle.\r\nReporting to the Head of Propulsion, you will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for developing the engine from concept through qualification and flight. You will partner closely with program management to develop the overall engine development strategy and execution plan while working across propulsion, structures, avionics, GNC, software, manufacturing, test, launch operations, and supplier organizations to deliver a propulsion system ready for flight.\r\nIf you enjoy making difficult technical decisions, building exceptional engineering teams, and leading the development of complex hardware from concept through launch, this role is for you.\r\nHow You'll Fulfill Your Mission\r\nTechnical Leadership\r\nServe as the technical authority for the Rocket 4 upper stage engine, establishing the technical baseline and approving major design decisions.\r\nDefine the overall propulsion system architecture and guide the evolution of the engine design throughout the development program.\r\nCritically evaluate engineering analyses, design proposals, test results, and technical recommendations to ensure decisions are grounded in first principles and sound engineering judgment.\r\nBalance performance, reliability, manufacturability, operability, schedule, and cost when making technical decisions and establishing program priorities.\r\nOwn the engine-level technical risk posture and drive timely resolution of complex engineering challenges.\r\nDefine and lead the overall engine development strategy, including technology maturation, hardware build progression, verification planning, and qualification approach.\r\nEvaluate alternative propulsion concepts and development approaches—including derivative engines, clean-sheet designs, and third-party propulsion solutions—to identify the best technical path.\r\nPartner with program management to develop and execute an integrated engine development plan that balances technical risk, schedule, cost, and available resources.\r\nOrganize and lead major technical reviews through the Astra Development Process, including architecture reviews, PDRs, CDRs, TRRs, qualification reviews, and flight readiness reviews.\r\nEngine Development\r\nLead multidisciplinary engineering efforts spanning propulsion performance, combustion devices, turbomachinery, structures, thermal systems, engine controls, and avionics integration.\r\nEnsure subsystem designs converge into a cohesive engine system that satisfies vehicle-level requirements and interface constraints.\r\nLead technical investigations, design trades, and root cause efforts throughout the development program.\r\nOversee engine verification and qualification activities, ensuring analytical and test evidence supports flight certification.\r\nTesting & Validation\r\nProvide technical leadership for engine development and qualification hot-fire test campaigns.\r\nReview engine test objectives, instrumentation plans, operating procedures, and success criteria.\r\nAnalyze hot-fire test data to assess engine performance, identify anomalies, validate analytical models, and guide future hardware and test planning.\r\nLead multidisciplinary failure investigations and technical recovery efforts following significant test anomalies.\r\nRecruit, build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of propulsion engineers responsible for upper stage engine development.\r\nFoster a culture of technical excellence, ownership, collaboration, and rapid learning.\r\nEstablish high engineering standards through rigorous technical reviews, mentoring, and constructive engineering debate.\r\nSupport the professional growth and technical development of engineers across the propulsion organization.\r\nWhy We Value You\r\nBachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.\r\n10+ years of experience developing liquid rocket propulsion systems or other highly integrated aerospace hardware.\r\nDemonstrated experience leading the technical development of complex propulsion hardware from concept through test and qualification.\r\nDeep understanding of liquid rocket engine architecture, including combustion devices, turbomachinery, feed systems, valves, pressurization, engine controls, thrust vector control, and engine operations.\r\nStrong first-principles engineering capability with the ability to critically evaluate analyses across multiple engineering disciplines.\r\nDemonstrated success leading multidisciplinary engineering teams while maintaining deep technical involvement in design decisions.\r\nExperience developing engineering requirements, verification plans, qualification strategies, and integrated development roadmaps.\r\nExcellent communication skills with the ability to build technical alignment across engineering disciplines and executive leadership.\r\nDesired Multipliers\r\nExperience serving as the technical lead or chief engineer for a liquid rocket engine development program.\r\nExperience evaluating or selecting propulsion system architectures during early program development.\r\nExperience developing new propulsion systems from concept through first flight.\r\nExperience integrating propulsion systems into launch vehicles or spacecraft.\r\nDirect experience with turbopump-fed liquid rocket engines.\r\nExperience with LOX/kerosene propulsion systems.\r\nExperience leading propulsion development through major design reviews, qualification, and flight readiness.\r\nExperience building and leading high-performing engineering teams in a fast-paced hardware development environment.\r\nDemonstrated ability to balance technical excellence with pragmatic decision-making in schedule-driven development programs.\r\nPassion for building simple, reliable, high-performance propulsion systems that enable rapid iteration and operational success.\r\nThe pay range for this role is: $200,000-240,000\r\nSalary and Benefits\r\nWe'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.\r\nWe 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.\r\nITAR Requirements\r\nThis 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 applicant's ability to receive the appropriate clearance and be allowed to work on U.S. government contracts.\r\nSan Francisco Applicants\r\nAstra will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records (criminal histories) in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.\r\nJ-18808-Ljbffr","company":"Astra Space","rawCompany":"astra space","city":"Berkeley","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-08T01:14:44.914Z","occupations":[{"code":"11-9041.00","title":"Architectural and Engineering Managers","slug":"architectural-and-engineering-managers"},{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"},{"code":"11-9121.00","title":"Natural Sciences Managers","slug":"natural-sciences-managers"}],"industries":[{"code":"336415","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-propulsion-unit-and-propulsion-unit-parts-manufacturing"},{"code":"336414","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing"},{"code":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Upper Stage Engine Technical Lead","description":"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.\r\nThe Team\r\nThe Engines team is responsible for developing, integrating, testing, and qualifying the propulsion systems that power Astra's launch vehicles. We work across the full engine lifecycle — from architecture definition and concept development through detailed design, hardware development, hot-fire testing, qualification, and flight readiness.\r\nThe Rocket 4 upper stage propulsion system represents one of Astra's most important technical development efforts. Whether the optimal solution is the evolution of an existing engine, the development of a new engine architecture, or the integration of a third-party propulsion system, our team is responsible for delivering a flight-ready propulsion system that meets the performance, reliability, operability, and cost objectives of the vehicle.\r\nThe Opportunity\r\nAstra is seeking an Upper Stage Engine Technical Lead to define the technical direction and lead the development of the Rocket 4 upper stage propulsion system.\r\nThis is a highly technical leadership role for an experienced propulsion engineer who combines deep engineering judgment with the ability to build and lead a high-performing engineering team. As the technical authority for the engine, you will establish the propulsion system architecture, drive critical engineering decisions, and own the technical success of the engine throughout its development lifecycle.\r\nReporting to the Head of Propulsion, you will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for developing the engine from concept through qualification and flight. You will partner closely with program management to develop the overall engine development strategy and execution plan while working across propulsion, structures, avionics, GNC, software, manufacturing, test, launch operations, and supplier organizations to deliver a propulsion system ready for flight.\r\nIf you enjoy making difficult technical decisions, building exceptional engineering teams, and leading the development of complex hardware from concept through launch, this role is for you.\r\nHow You'll Fulfill Your Mission\r\nTechnical Leadership\r\nServe as the technical authority for the Rocket 4 upper stage engine, establishing the technical baseline and approving major design decisions.\r\nDefine the overall propulsion system architecture and guide the evolution of the engine design throughout the development program.\r\nCritically evaluate engineering analyses, design proposals, test results, and technical recommendations to ensure decisions are grounded in first principles and sound engineering judgment.\r\nBalance performance, reliability, manufacturability, operability, schedule, and cost when making technical decisions and establishing program priorities.\r\nOwn the engine-level technical risk posture and drive timely resolution of complex engineering challenges.\r\nDefine and lead the overall engine development strategy, including technology maturation, hardware build progression, verification planning, and qualification approach.\r\nEvaluate alternative propulsion concepts and development approaches—including derivative engines, clean-sheet designs, and third-party propulsion solutions—to identify the best technical path.\r\nPartner with program management to develop and execute an integrated engine development plan that balances technical risk, schedule, cost, and available resources.\r\nOrganize and lead major technical reviews through the Astra Development Process, including architecture reviews, PDRs, CDRs, TRRs, qualification reviews, and flight readiness reviews.\r\nEngine Development\r\nLead multidisciplinary engineering efforts spanning propulsion performance, combustion devices, turbomachinery, structures, thermal systems, engine controls, and avionics integration.\r\nEnsure subsystem designs converge into a cohesive engine system that satisfies vehicle-level requirements and interface constraints.\r\nLead technical investigations, design trades, and root cause efforts throughout the development program.\r\nOversee engine verification and qualification activities, ensuring analytical and test evidence supports flight certification.\r\nTesting & Validation\r\nProvide technical leadership for engine development and qualification hot-fire test campaigns.\r\nReview engine test objectives, instrumentation plans, operating procedures, and success criteria.\r\nAnalyze hot-fire test data to assess engine performance, identify anomalies, validate analytical models, and guide future hardware and test planning.\r\nLead multidisciplinary failure investigations and technical recovery efforts following significant test anomalies.\r\nRecruit, build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of propulsion engineers responsible for upper stage engine development.\r\nFoster a culture of technical excellence, ownership, collaboration, and rapid learning.\r\nEstablish high engineering standards through rigorous technical reviews, mentoring, and constructive engineering debate.\r\nSupport the professional growth and technical development of engineers across the propulsion organization.\r\nWhy We Value You\r\nBachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.\r\n10+ years of experience developing liquid rocket propulsion systems or other highly integrated aerospace hardware.\r\nDemonstrated experience leading the technical development of complex propulsion hardware from concept through test and qualification.\r\nDeep understanding of liquid rocket engine architecture, including combustion devices, turbomachinery, feed systems, valves, pressurization, engine controls, thrust vector control, and engine operations.\r\nStrong first-principles engineering capability with the ability to critically evaluate analyses across multiple engineering disciplines.\r\nDemonstrated success leading multidisciplinary engineering teams while maintaining deep technical involvement in design decisions.\r\nExperience developing engineering requirements, verification plans, qualification strategies, and integrated development roadmaps.\r\nExcellent communication skills with the ability to build technical alignment across engineering disciplines and executive leadership.\r\nDesired Multipliers\r\nExperience serving as the technical lead or chief engineer for a liquid rocket engine development program.\r\nExperience evaluating or selecting propulsion system architectures during early program development.\r\nExperience developing new propulsion systems from concept through first flight.\r\nExperience integrating propulsion systems into launch vehicles or spacecraft.\r\nDirect experience with turbopump-fed liquid rocket engines.\r\nExperience with LOX/kerosene propulsion systems.\r\nExperience leading propulsion development through major design reviews, qualification, and flight readiness.\r\nExperience building and leading high-performing engineering teams in a fast-paced hardware development environment.\r\nDemonstrated ability to balance technical excellence with pragmatic decision-making in schedule-driven development programs.\r\nPassion for building simple, reliable, high-performance propulsion systems that enable rapid iteration and operational success.\r\nThe pay range for this role is: $200,000-240,000\r\nSalary and Benefits\r\nWe'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.\r\nWe 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.\r\nITAR Requirements\r\nThis 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 applicant's ability to receive the appropriate clearance and be allowed to work on U.S. government contracts.\r\nSan Francisco Applicants\r\nAstra will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records (criminal histories) in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.\r\nJ-18808-Ljbffr","datePosted":"2026-08-08T01:14:44.914Z","dateModified":"2026-08-08T01:14:44.914Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Astra Space","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Berkeley","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"d37ef2ad91c381a14c14931e"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/d37ef2ad91c381a14c14931e"}}