Electrical Engineer, Electric Propulsion

The Company

Astra is on a mission to improve life on Earth from space. Astra’s first flight to space was within 4 years of its inception, making it the fastest company to reach space. By achieving monthly, then weekly, then daily launch, we'll create the infrastructure services our customers need in space to build a healthier and more connected planet. If you're excited by a sense of possibility, the chance to innovate, and make a difference here on Earth, we think you should work here too.

The Role:

Astra is designing and manufacturing in space electric propulsion subsystems systems for modern satellites and spacecraft. Our thrusters will be used in Low Earth Orbit, Medium Earth orbit, Geostationary Orbit, Lunar missions, and beyond. We are looking for an electrical engineer to join our fast-paced electronics team -- power electronics design experience is strongly preferred. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Design of power electronics systems -- DC/DC converters and load switches
• Design of accurate telemetry and analog circuits
• Evaluation of embedded systems and applications by designing and conducting test programs; debugging existing embedded systems and applying knowledge of power electronics 
• Application of customer requirements and NASA / ECSS standards to designs, materials selection, and test 
• Assuring product quality by designing electrical testing methods; testing finished products and system capabilities 
• Preparing accurate and detailed reports on designs and systems

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or MS degree in electrical engineering with 3-5 years’ experience in the design, development, test, and evaluation of power electronics hardware, or equivalent combination of education and experience 
• Expertise in PCB schematic capture and board layout, ideally using Altium 
• Solid Power Electronics (>300W, >100V) experience 
• Experience designing sensor systems and analyzing errors 
• Strong bench-testing skills; must be good with an oscilloscope and soldering iron, and be willing to test and debug your own hardware designs 
• Must be good at sharing information, communication, and writing reports/findings

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Embedded firmware programming using C/C++ and GCC 
• Test software and data analysis using Python 
• Digital and mixed signal design (processor-based systems) 
• Discrete transistor (BJT/MOSFET) circuit design 
• Experience with design for radiation environments

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.

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Astra, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

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.