Upper Stage Engine Technical Lead

Job description

The Team The 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. The 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. The Opportunity Astra 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. This 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. Reporting 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. If 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. How You'll Fulfill Your Mission Technical Leadership Serve as the technical authority for the Rocket 4 upper stage engine, establishing the technical baseline and approving major design decisions. Define the overall propulsion system architecture and guide the evolution of the engine design throughout the development program. Critically evaluate engineering analyses, design proposals, test results, and technical recommendations to ensure decisions are grounded in first principles and sound engineering judgment. Balance performance, reliability, manufacturability, operability, schedule, and cost when making technical decisions and establishing program priorities. Own the engine-level technical risk posture and drive timely resolution of complex engineering challenges. Development Strategy & Program Execution Define and lead the overall engine development strategy, including technology maturation, hardware build progression, verification planning, and qualification approach. Evaluate alternative propulsion concepts and development approaches—including derivative engines, clean-sheet designs, and third-party propulsion solutions—to identify the best technical path Partner with program management to develop and execute an integrated engine development plan that balances technical risk, schedule, cost, and available resources. Organize and lead major technical reviews through the Astra Development Process, including architecture reviews, PDRs, CDRs, TRRs, qualification reviews, and flight readiness reviews. Engine Development Lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts spanning propulsion performance, combustion devices, turbomachinery, structures, thermal systems, engine controls, and avionics integration. Ensure subsystem designs converge into a cohesive engine system that satisfies vehicle-level requirements and interface constraints. Lead technical investigations, design trades, and root cause efforts throughout the development program. Oversee engine verification and qualification activities, ensuring analytical and test evidence supports flight certification. Testing & Validation Provide technical leadership for engine development and qualification hot-fire test campaigns. Review engine test objectives, instrumentation plans, operating procedures, and success criteria. Analyze hot-fire test data to assess engine performance, identify anomalies, validate analytical models, and guide future hardware and test planning. Lead multidisciplinary failure investigations and technical recovery efforts following significant test anomalies. Team Leadership Recruit, build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of propulsion engineers responsible for upper stage engine development. Foster a culture of technical excellence, ownership, collaboration, and rapid learning. Establish high engineering standards through rigorous technical reviews, mentoring, and constructive engineering debate. Support the professional growth and technical development of engineers across the propulsion organization. Why We Value You Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. 10+ years of experience developing liquid rocket propulsion systems or other highly integrated aerospace hardware. Demonstrated experience leading the technical development of complex propulsion hardware from concept through test and qualification. Deep understanding of liquid rocket engine architecture, including combustion devices, turbomachinery, feed systems, valves, pressurization, engine controls, thrust vector control, and engine operations. Strong first-principles engineering capability with the ability to critically evaluate analyses across multiple engineering disciplines. Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary engineering teams while maintaining deep technical involvement in design decisions. Experience developing engineering requirements, verification plans, qualification strategies, and integrated development roadmaps. Excellent communication skills with the ability to build technical alignment across engineering disciplines and executive leadership. Desired Multipliers Experience serving as the technical lead or chief engineer for a liquid rocket engine development program. Experience evaluating or selecting propulsion system architectures during early program development. Experience developing new propulsion systems from concept through first flight. Experience integrating propulsion systems into launch vehicles or spacecraft. Direct experience with turbopump-fed liquid rocket engines. Experience with LOX/kerosene propulsion systems. Experience leading propulsion development through major design reviews, qualification, and flight readiness. Experience building and leading high-performing engineering teams in a fast-paced hardware development environment. Demonstrated ability to balance technical excellence with pragmatic decision-making in schedule-driven development programs. Passion for building simple, reliable, high-performance propulsion systems that enable rapid iteration and operational success. The pay range for this role is: $200,000-240,000 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.