Staff Systems Engineer

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.

The Opportunity 

We are seeking a highly experienced Staff Space Products Systems Engineer to lead the architecture, integration, and lifecycle management of spacecraft hardware designed for low Earth orbit (LEO) missions. This role is focused on system-level design, bringing together multidisciplinary hardware and software elements to deliver flight-qualified solutions. A strong background in electric propulsion systems is preferred. The ideal candidate will be a recognized technical leader who can drive system definition from concept through flight operations, ensuring robust performance in the challenging space environment.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

• System-Level Ownership: Serve as the technical authority for spacecraft subsystems and integrated hardware, from concept through qualification and flight.
• Architecture & Design: Define system requirements, architecture, and interfaces for products supporting LEO missions.
• Integration & Trade Studies: Lead cross-disciplinary trade studies, balancing performance, mass, power, cost, manufacturability, and reliability at the system level.
• Verification & Validation: Develop system-level test plans and ensure verification of requirements through analysis, inspection, and flight-representative testing.
• Flight Readiness: Support environmental qualification (thermal-vacuum, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC) and acceptance testing for space hardware.
• Reliability & Safety: Drive FMEA, fault management design, and reliability analyses to ensure system robustness for multi-year missions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with propulsion, avionics, structures, and operations teams to deliver integrated, flight-ready products.
• Technical Leadership: Mentor senior and junior engineers, conduct technical reviews, and act as a subject matter expert for spacecraft system integration.
• Customer & Mission Support: Represent engineering in customer reviews, provide input to mission planning, and support spacecraft integration and operations when needed.

Why We Value You

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering, with a proven track record of delivering flight hardware.
• Strong background in system-level architecture, requirements development, and spacecraft integration.
• Deep technical expertise in one or more areas (preferred: electric propulsion, fluid systems, spacecraft avionics, or structural/thermal design).
• Experience with LEO spacecraft requirements, including thermal management, radiation environment, and mission operations constraints.
• Hands-on experience with verification, validation, and qualification testing of flight hardware.
• Familiarity with space standards and processes (NASA, ESA, ECSS, MIL-STD, or equivalent).
• Exceptional problem-solving and communication skills with demonstrated ability to influence technical and strategic decisions at the program level.

Desired Multipliers 

• Direct experience with electric propulsion subsystems (Hall-effect, ion thrusters, or advanced EP architectures).
• Background in designing and certifying hardware for LEO satellite constellations or commercial spacecraft.
• Experience leading large cross-functional engineering efforts.
• Familiarity with manufacturing and test of space-qualified hardware at scale.