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Astro Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Technical Buyer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$155K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected ... WHO WE ARE: We're a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We're ...

Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150 - $225/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Astro Mechanica will keep test operations running smoothly, while constantly expanding and improving test capabilities. Responsibilities * Architect test stand design and documentation (engineering ...

Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150 - $225/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Astro Mechanica is seeking a Senior Test Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is someone who is capable of designing, fabricating, operating, and improving on complex mechanical ...

Structures Design Engineer II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy. WHO YOU ARE: Astro Mechanica is seeking a Structures Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate ...

Camera Control-Systems Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $166K/yr

Minimum Qualifications BS degree in Physics, ME, EE, ASE (Aero/Astro), CS, or Optical Engineering Experience with control systems design for electro-mechanical systems Experience with estimation ...

Senior GNC Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$170 - $215/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected ... We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy. WHO YOU ...

Senior GNC Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$170 - $215/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected ... We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy. WHO YOU ...

Senior Thermal Systems Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected ... We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy. WHO YOU ...

Astro accelerates building reliable data products that unlock insights, unleash AI value, and ... You will closely collaborate with engineering, sales, and customer teams to deliver innovative ...

Astro accelerates building reliable data products that unlock insights, unleash AI value, and ... You will closely collaborate with engineering, sales, and customer teams to deliver innovative ...

Camera Control-Systems Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

... Aero/Astro), CS, or Optical Engineering and 10+ years of relevant industry experience Experience with leading technical projects with small to medium teams Experience with real-time control ...

Director of Manufacturing

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We're generalists with ... WHAT YOU'LL DO Lead the manufacturing function at Astro Mechanica, building the people, processes ...

Showing results 41-60

Astro Engineering information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$62.2K

$94.2K

How much do astro engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for astro engineering in California is $62,152.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $71,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an astro engineering?

An Astro Engineering job involves designing, developing, and testing spacecraft, satellites, and other space-related systems. Engineers in this field apply principles of mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering to ensure the functionality and reliability of space missions. They work on propulsion systems, communications, orbital mechanics, and robotic systems. Astro engineers may be employed by space agencies, private aerospace companies, or research institutions. Their work is critical for advancing space exploration, satellite technology, and interplanetary travel.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in astro engineering?

To thrive as an Astro Engineer, you need a solid foundation in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, and systems engineering, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and experience in spacecraft or satellite design. Familiarity with specialized software such as MATLAB, CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks), and mission analysis programs, as well as certifications like a Professional Engineer (PE) license, are often advantageous. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help navigate complex projects and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring the successful design, testing, and deployment of space systems in a highly technical and collaborative environment.

What are typical career advancement opportunities for someone working in astro engineering?

Astro Engineers often begin in roles focused on spacecraft or satellite design, testing, and analysis. With experience, they can advance to lead engineer or project manager positions overseeing large-scale projects or multidisciplinary teams. Some professionals may specialize further in areas like propulsion, mission analysis, or systems integration, while others pursue advanced degrees or professional certifications to move into research, academia, or executive roles. Career advancement is typically supported by ongoing professional development and hands-on experience with increasingly complex missions and technologies.

Is astro engineering hard?

Astro engineering is a challenging field that requires strong skills in physics, mathematics, and engineering principles. It often involves complex problem-solving, working with advanced tools and software, and sometimes requires specialized certifications or education. The difficulty level depends on the specific role and individual background, but it generally demands dedication and technical proficiency.

What does an astro engineer do?

An astro engineer designs, develops, and tests spacecraft, satellites, and related systems used in space exploration and research. They work with advanced technologies, often using tools like CAD software and simulation programs, and may require knowledge of physics, materials science, and aerospace standards. Their work environment typically includes laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and space agencies or companies involved in space missions.
Infographic showing various Astro Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,152 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Technical Buyer

Astro Mechanica

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$155K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

ABOUT US:
Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected future. Our mission is to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. We believe that rapid, on-demand, point-to-point global mobility will become the new standard for moving people and goods across the planet. To achieve this, we are integrating our advanced airframe and engine technologies-which include Duality™, our proprietary dual-use propulsion system-with a new flight operations model to make supersonic transport as efficient and economical as commercial air travel is today. In the near term, we are developing adaptable, high-speed systems to close aircraft performance gaps for the United States government.
WHO WE ARE:
We're a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We're generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.
WHO YOU ARE:
We're seeking a Procurement Associate / Technical Buyer who will move fast to get critical parts, materials, equipment, and services into the hands of our prototyping, testing, propulsion, and manufacturing teams. You are highly organized, detail-oriented, and execution-driven. You thrive in a fast-paced hardware environment with many moving parts. You are comfortable chasing suppliers, managing dozens of open threads, and creating the systems needed to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. You care deeply about schedule, follow-through, and clear communication. This is a hands-on tactical procurement role supporting the development, testing, and buildout of complex aerospace and industrial systems.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
As an early team member, you'll drive our procurement and vendor operations, with the opportunity to grow into broader responsibilities across the supply chain team.
Specifically, you will:
  • Root out demand signals across engineering, prototyping, testing, propulsion, and manufacturing teams to identify what needs to be purchased before it becomes a blocker
  • Take parts and materials from early engineering conversations through vendor prospecting, quoting, negotiation, order placement, supplier follow-up, delivery tracking, and receipt
  • Source piece parts, machined components, fabricated parts, hardware, tooling, test equipment, lab supplies, and other materials needed to support fast-moving technical teams
  • Drive supplier schedule execution by maintaining regular check-ins, confirming lead times, escalating risks, and pushing vendors to deliver on time
  • Create and maintain detailed procurement trackers covering open requests, RFQs, quotes, POs, supplier commitments, delivery dates, risks, and status updates
  • Partner closely with engineering and manufacturing to clarify requirements, drawings, specifications, quantities, revisions, acceptable substitutes, and delivery priorities
  • Build and manage relationships with critical suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers to ensure reliability and quality
  • Build our vendor network by vetting and qualifying new and existing vendors
  • Anticipate risks in the supply chain and design contingency plans to mitigate disruptions

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
  • 3+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, supply chain, operations, production control, manufacturing, or vendor coordination in a hardware environment
  • Strong bias toward action; you move quickly, follow up relentlessly, and know how to unblock teams under schedule pressure
  • Exceptional organization skills, with the ability to track many parts, suppliers, quotes, purchase orders, delivery dates, and open issues at once
  • Experience working with technical teams and the ability to quickly understand engineering requirements, drawings, specifications, and part descriptions
  • Strong supplier communication skills; comfortable calling vendors, requesting quotes, negotiating basic terms, confirming schedules, and escalating when needed
  • Detail-oriented and process-minded, with the ability to create clean trackers, maintain accurate records, and build lightweight systems where none exist
  • Comfortable operating in an ambiguous startup environment where priorities shift quickly and many processes are still being built
  • Exposure to aerospace, export-controlled environments, AS9100 suppliers, or regulated hardware is a plus
PERKS & BENEFITS:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan
  • Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time
  • Flexible work environment
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.
Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.