Astra · 4 months ago
Senior Fluid Systems Engineer, Electric Propulsion
Alameda, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$135K/yr - $165K/yr
6+ years expAstra is on a mission to improve life on Earth from space and is seeking a Senior Fluid Systems Engineer to lead the design and integration of fluid systems for electric propulsion technologies. The role involves ensuring the performance and reliability of critical subsystems used in spacecraft propulsion, including managing high-pressure systems and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
AerospaceSatellite CommunicationSpace Travel
No H1B
Security Clearance Required
Responsibilities
Act as the primary technical authority for fluid systems supporting electric propulsion thrusters, from concept through flight operations
Design and develop high-pressure distribution and regulation systems for noble gases and supercritical propellants, ensuring stable and precise delivery to thruster systems
Specify, evaluate, and qualify solenoid valves, seals, regulators, tubing, and assemblies thereof for compatibility with mission requirements, extreme environments, and long-duration spaceflight
Perform system-level flow, thermal, and structural modeling to predict performance across operational scenarios
Develop and execute qualification and acceptance test campaigns including proof, leak check, flow characterization, dynamics, and TVAC tests
Lead root-cause investigations, implement FMEA and fault-tree analyses, and establish robust reliability margins for mission assurance
Collaborate with thruster design, avionics, module design, and hardware integration teams to ensure seamless system performance
Generate system specifications, test plans, test reports, and technical documentation in accordance with aerospace standards and customer requirements
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
6+ years of experience in spacecraft or aerospace fluid systems engineering, including propulsion feed systems
Deep expertise in handling noble gases and supercritical fluids for propulsion applications
Proven knowledge of solenoid valves, regulators, and sealing technologies for spaceflight hardware
Proficiency in CAD (NX preferred) and system modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, ANSYS, or equivalent)
Experience developing and executing test campaigns for flight hardware
Familiarity with aerospace quality and certification standards (NASA, SMC, MIL-STD, ECSS, or equivalent)
Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to drive system-level decision making
Preferred
Direct experience with electric propulsion systems (Hall-effect thrusters, ion thrusters, or other advanced EP architectures)
Hands-on experience with hardware integration and ground support equipment
Background in cryogenic fluid systems, high-pressure vessels, or plasma propulsion environments
Experience with AFSPCMAN 91-710 range safety requirements for pressurized systems
Company
Astra
Astra is a rocket launch startup that provides satellite delivery and launch services.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$390.9MKey Investors
BlackRock
2023-11-06Post Ipo Debt· $13.4M
2023-08-04Post Ipo Debt· $12.5M
2023-07-10Post Ipo Equity· $65M
Leadership Team
Chris Kemp
Founder and CEO
Adam London
Founder and CTO
Recent News
2025-12-06
Canaan Partners
2025-12-03
2025-10-25
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