What are the responsibilities and job description for the Equipment Maintenance Technician position at Astra?
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
Astra’s test and production environments rely on a wide variety of custom and commercial equipment – from high-vacuum chambers and thermal systems to CNCs and automated test stands. As an Equipment Maintenance Technician, you’ll be responsible for keeping these systems running safely and reliably.
You’ll work hands-on to troubleshoot issues, perform preventive maintenance, and support improvements that increase uptime and performance. Your work will directly impact our ability to build and test spacecraft hardware quickly, safely, and at scale.
This role is ideal for someone who’s comfortable in a dynamic, hands-on environment and enjoys the challenge of fixing complex systems under real-world conditions.
How You'll Fulfill Your Mission
The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range in the San Francisco Bay Area and excludes additional earnings such as bonus and benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.
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.
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.
The Opportunity
Astra’s test and production environments rely on a wide variety of custom and commercial equipment – from high-vacuum chambers and thermal systems to CNCs and automated test stands. As an Equipment Maintenance Technician, you’ll be responsible for keeping these systems running safely and reliably.
You’ll work hands-on to troubleshoot issues, perform preventive maintenance, and support improvements that increase uptime and performance. Your work will directly impact our ability to build and test spacecraft hardware quickly, safely, and at scale.
This role is ideal for someone who’s comfortable in a dynamic, hands-on environment and enjoys the challenge of fixing complex systems under real-world conditions.
How You'll Fulfill Your Mission
- Preventive Maintenance: Execute routine inspections, lubrication, calibrations, and performance checks on factory and test equipment
- Troubleshooting & Repair: Diagnose mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and vacuum-related issues and restore equipment to operation quickly
- Work Orders & Records: Track maintenance tasks, log repair history, and manage spares and consumables in a CMMS or similar system
- Collaboration: Partner with engineers, test operators, and facilities to understand equipment usage and proactively resolve issues
- Process Improvements: Identify recurring failure modes and help implement upgrades, rebuilds, or redesigns to improve reliability
- Safety & Compliance: Ensure all work follows proper lockout/tagout, PPE, and equipment safety procedures
- 3 years of experience in equipment maintenance, industrial service, or mechanical repair in a manufacturing, R&D, or aerospace environment
- Comfortable working with a wide variety of equipment: pumps, valves, motors, sensors, PLCs, HMIs, hydraulics, pneumatics, and more
- Ability to read mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, and equipment manuals
- Familiarity with hand tools, diagnostic instruments, and electrical testing equipment
- Organized, proactive, and calm under pressure, especially when equipment is down
- Strong communication and documentation habits
- Experience with high-vacuum or thermal systems
- Knowledge of CMMS software (e.g., UpKeep, Fiix, or similar)
- Basic understanding of control systems, PLCs, or Python-based automation helpful
- Aerospace or advanced manufacturing background is a plus
The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range in the San Francisco Bay Area and excludes additional earnings such as bonus and benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.
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.
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.
Salary : $40 - $50