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

We are looking for a strategic, hands-on Recruiter within aerospace, launch systems, or adjacent deep-tech industries. This individual must have a strong understanding of the specialized roles within the rocket ecosystem and a proven ability to source high-impact talent from leading rocket and space organizations.

This role requires someone who is both technically fluent and creatively resourceful — leveraging AI-driven sourcing tools, advanced research strategies, and industry connections to identify and engage top-tier candidates.

Why Join Us?

• Work at the forefront of rocket innovation.
• Help build a team that will redefine access to space.
• High-impact role with visibility across executive leadership.
• Competitive compensation, equity, and benefits.

If you are passionate about aerospace, fluent in the rocket talent landscape, and excited about using AI and strategic sourcing to build world-class teams, we want to hear from you.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

Talent Strategy & Full-Cycle Recruiting

• Lead full-cycle recruiting for highly specialized aerospace and rocket roles including propulsion, avionics, GNC (Guidance, Navigation & Control), structures, systems engineering, launch operations, test engineering, and manufacturing.
• Partner with leadership and technical hiring managers to deeply understand role requirements and future workforce planning.
• Develop proactive hiring strategies for hard-to-fill and confidential roles.

AI-Driven Sourcing & Advanced Research

• Utilize AI-powered sourcing tools and automation platforms to identify, qualify, and engage passive candidates.
• Build and refine Boolean search strategies across multiple databases and talent platforms.
• Analyze talent market data to guide compensation and hiring strategies.
• Continuously experiment with emerging AI recruiting tools to improve sourcing efficiency and candidate quality.

Competitive Intelligence & Talent Mapping

• Identify and build pipelines from leading rocket and aerospace organizations (e.g., commercial launch providers, satellite companies, propulsion startups, defense contractors).
• Map organizational structures of competing rocket companies to identify high-potential talent and succession targets.
• Leverage industry networks, conferences, and referrals to generate strong leads.
• Build strategic relationships with engineers and technical leaders across the aerospace ecosystem.

Relationship Building & Candidate Experience

• Serve as a trusted partner to candidates throughout the recruitment lifecycle.
• Assess both technical capability and startup mindset (speed, adaptability, ownership).
• Promote the company’s mission and value proposition to attract top-tier rocket talent.

Systems & Process Optimization

• Maintain and optimize recruiting workflows within Rippling Talent (preferred experience).
• Track and report recruiting metrics (time-to-fill, source effectiveness, pipeline conversion rates).
• Continuously improve recruiting processes to scale alongside company growth.

Why We Value You

• Minimum 5 years of recruiting experience, with substantial focus on aerospace, space, defense, or rocket companies.
• Demonstrated experience recruiting for highly specialized rocket-industry roles.
• Deep understanding of rocket-related disciplines such as:
• • Propulsion systems
  • GNC
  • Avionics
  • Structures & composites
  • Launch operations
  • Test engineering
  • Manufacturing & integration
• Experience leveraging AI sourcing tools, automation platforms, and advanced search techniques.
• Strong ability to identify connections, referrals, and industry crossovers to generate new leads.
• Experience using ATS platforms; Rippling Talent experience preferred.
• Experience in AI tools: ChatGPT, Claude, CoPilot, Gemini, Perplexity
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, startup environment.

Desired Multipliers

• Proven track record sourcing passive candidates from top aerospace and launch organizations.
• Experience recruiting for aerospace startups.
• Existing network within the commercial space or launch industry.
• Experience scaling engineering teams from early-stage to growth-stage.
• Familiarity with export control considerations (e.g., ITAR environments).

What Success Looks Like

• Consistently hiring high-performing aerospace engineers in competitive markets.
• Building proactive pipelines before roles officially open.
• Establishing our company as a destination employer within the rocket industry.
• Implementing AI-driven sourcing strategies that reduce time-to-fill and improve candidate quality.

Salary and Benefits

The pay range for this role is:

Tier 1: $114,422 - $165,000

Tier 2: $99,498 - $145,769

This position is an on-site position but we will consider temporary hybrid or temporary remote until such timing to relocate for full-time on-site. Relocation will be part of offer negotiation.

We're competitive in compensation and offer equity as part of the package. We have great benefits that include health, vision, dental, and 401K in comparison to other startups. We provide lunch and there's plenty of snacks and drinks to get you through the day.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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.

© Astra Space Operations, LLC. All rights reserved, Astra is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We encourage people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply.

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.