Development Technician

Astra•Alameda, CA

201d•$50 - $60

About The Position

The Vehicle team at Astra is at the heart of our mission to provide frequent and affordable access to space. This team is responsible for the complete lifecycle of our rockets' core components, including the First Stage, Upper Stage, Payload, and Fairing. From initial design to hands-on build and testing, the Vehicle team ensures the reliability and performance of every part of our launch system. As a Development Technician at Astra you will play a hands-on role focused on the fabrication and assembly of Rocket 4. Your responsibilities will span building flight parts, manufacturing tooling and test fixtures, and actively supporting critical test campaigns. You'll also help shape our processes by executing and providing feedback on development work instructions. This is a highly technical, safety-focused role that requires attention to detail, mechanical and electrical aptitude, a strong desire to learn new skills and to work on systems that will operate in space.

Requirements

2+ years of hands-on experience working in sheet metal fabrication, complicated mechanical assemblies, or manual machining
Proven troubleshooting skills in mechanical and fluidic systems
Willingness to work non-standard hours (evenings/weekends) as needed to support mission-critical testing
You take pride in high-quality, detail-oriented work
High school diploma or GED required; technical certification or associate degree in a related field preferred

Nice To Haves

Experience in aerospace or space startup environments
Experience with cryogenics and high pressure gas systems
Familiarity with aerospace sheet metal and propellant pressure vessel built and testing
The ability to think critically, troubleshoot under pressure, and adapt quickly to evolving build and test conditions

Responsibilities

Able to read, understand, follow and provide feedback on work instructions and engineering drawings
Document development projects, tests and work instructions
Basic CAD navigation skills
Ability to work inside tanks, confined spaces, on platforms and around moving machinery
Experience with inspection of parts and materials including the use of measuring and inspection tools such as: Calipers Micrometers Engineers scales Pi tapes Dial indicators Plug gauges
Proficient with sheet metal and tube fabrication tools including; Sheet metal brake Press brake Shear Slip roller both powered and manual Tube roller Band saw Cold saw Hydraulic press Drill press Manual mill and Lathe Hand drills, grinders, sanders Deburring hand tools Riveting tools, CherryMax and solid rivets
Nutplates, Click bond and riveted
TIG/MIG/laser welding manual and semi automated
Welding positioner setup
Waterjet operation and programming
Tube bending and flaring
Composites and vacuum bagging
Crane, forklift, and rigging
Painting
Assemble and integrate complicated assemblies such as: Experience with hand tools Fastener Torqueing and Torque Marking Helicoil and Key insert install Fluidic fastener and Fitting installation Experience with AN,ORB, swaglock
Harness installation and routing
Safety Wire and cable
Lox Cleaning
Test Support: Assist in setup, execution, and teardown of system tests—including high pressure proof testing, leak testing, flow testing and load testing
Maintain Systems: Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of vacuum hardware, pumps, and instrumentation
Safety First: Follow safety protocols around high voltage, pressure systems, and hazardous materials
Data Logging & Documentation: Support test execution by logging data, completing checklists, and ensuring proper documentation of procedures and outcomes
Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with engineering (test, design, manufacturing and software) and manufacturing technicians to ensure smooth and safe operations
Troubleshoot Issues: Diagnose and resolve problems with build/test hardware, instrumentation, and manufacturing equipment in real time