Staff Mechanical Engineer, Ground Systems
Astra
Other Engineering
Alameda, CA, USA
Posted on Sep 13, 2024
The Team
The Ground System Structures Team is a cross-functional group of engineers working to design and improve our ground support equipment. We develop the structures necessary to transport, erect, hold down, and release an orbital-class rocket. Our team touches all aspects of system design including research and concept development, detailed design, analysis, and drawings. The team is also responsible for the development of qualification test plans and supporting testing and launch operations.
Our deployable ground system can be built and commissioned in Alameda, CA, then deployed anywhere in the world and assembled in a matter of days. Astra's ground system equipment is specifically designed to enable a high launch cadence, allowing Astra to lead the way to daily access to space for the first time in human history.
The Opportunity
Join a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians providing industry-leading solutions for liquid propulsion launch vehicles. As an engineer on this team, you will provide the specification, analysis, design, fabrication/procurement, assembly, and test of structural and mechanical systems. This includes but is not limited to structural assemblies required to safely transport the launch vehicle from facilities in Alameda, CA to global spaceports, the ground structure used to support and erect the vehicle, aspects of pad safety/fire suppression, and vehicle propellant handling functions. Emphasis on reliability, enabling rapid deployment schedules, efficiency in-field operations, and ease of maintenance are keys to success.
This position goes beyond our immediate team as you will also work closely with the First Stage, Upper Stage, Avionics, and Launch Operations Teams. This role will report to the Sr. Manager of Ground Systems.
Why We Value You:
- 5+ years' experience in mechanical/structural design
- You are experienced with the design of weldments, and large 5+ ton structures
- You are experienced with a variety of additional weldment processes including fabrication, and post weld heat treatment and machining
- Use can analyze welded joints using hand-calcs and FEA per AWS or equivalent standard
- You have experience with creating weldment drawings per AWS standards
- You are experienced with bolted joint design
- You are experienced with heavy machinery, including static and articulating mechanical joints and pivots, including the design of lugs, pins, clevis' in high-stress and corrosive environments
- You are experienced with CAD and PLM software tools, particularly with large, shared assemblies
- You own projects from beginning to end, with little oversight
- You’re excited to work in a fast-paced, self-driven, iterative startup environment, and to build the systems that enable daily launches to space
- You're an effective communicator who is comfortable leading meetings and giving input
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) required
Desired Multipliers:
- 8+ years' experience in mechanical/structural design
- Master's degree in mechanical or structural engineering (or related field)
- Experience with release mechanisms, and hydraulic actuation
- Expertise with Siemens NX CAD software
- Expertise in NX Nastran FEA software
- Experience with Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, FMEA, to identify and mitigate potential system problems and failure points
- Experience with fluid systems, converting piping and instrumentation diagrams into operational systems
- Experience reviewing data, resolving issues with hardware, and root cause analysis
- Willing to occasionally travel to various production, test, and launch locations.