Senior GNC 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.

As a Senior

GNC Engineer, you will be part of the small team that develops the control, estimation, and guidance algorithms that fly our rockets. You’ll be deeply involved in all aspects of GNC, but will also work closely with all teams to ensure that the rocket is designed and tested to launch, fly, and deploy its payload to the target orbit.

• Develop: create requirements,GNCalgorithms,simulation models,and trajectories
• Test: build outtestautomation across all environments, including Simulinksimulation,hardware-in-the-loop,engine test cells,andwithintegrated vehicles
• Partner: work with other teams to define critical interfaces, specify component/system requirements, and contribute to decisions that shape future vehicles
• Fly: support launch from mission control and fulfill GNCresponsibilitiesduringthecountdown
• Analyze: usegroundtest and flight data to verify system performance and improve the fidelity of the simulation
• Ownership: end-to-end responsibilityforlarge aspects of theGNC system

• You have5+ years of experienceinaerospace vehicle GNC development and simulation
• You have anadvanceddegreein engineering, physics, mathematics or equivalent
• You have experience with Matlab/Simulink and C++ or Python
• You possess strong interpersonal skills with the ability to articulate ideas, give technical feedback, and mentor team members
• You’re excited to work in a fast-paced,self-driven,iterative startup environment, and to build thesystemsthat enable daily launches to space
• Hands-on experience with simulation frameworks and flight software integration
• Familiarity with aerospace dynamics, coordinate frames, and real-time systems

• Strong cross-functional communication skills and technical leadership experience
• Proven ownership of GNC systems from design through flight

The pay range for this role is: $130,000 - $160,000 per year

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.

Astra will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records (criminal histories) in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

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.