Propulsion Test Technician

Astranis•San Francisco, CA 94102, US• Full Time

Posted 2 hours ago• Mechanical• Mechanical

Compensation

$36.00–$52.00/hour

Job Description

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe— large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts.

Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization. Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world’s best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.

Propulsion Test Technician

As a Propulsion Test Technician, you will be the hands-on force behind the hardware that maneuvers our satellites in orbit. You will transition designs from the engineering desk to the test stand, ensuring every valve, thruster, and propellant line is flight-ready. If you have a passion for high-pressure systems and a "zero-fail" mindset, you’ll fit right in.

Role

Pressure Operations: Set up and execute Proof and Burst testing using high-pressure pneumatic (GN2, GHe) and hydrostatic systems.
Leak Detection: Perform ultra-sensitive leak detection using helium sniffers or vacuum detection methods
Functional Checkout: Conduct end-to-end functional tests on solenoid valves, regulators, and transducers to verify cracking pressures and flow coefficients
Build custom test manifolds and "ground support equipment" (GSE)
Install and calibrate pressure transducers, thermocouples, and flow meters; interface with DAQ systems to record real-time test data
Troubleshooting: Identify the root cause of "no-go" test results—distinguishing between a legitimate hardware failure and a test-setup artifact
Safety First: Maintain a pristine cleanroom environment and strictly adhere to safety protocols for high-pressure gases and hazardous propellants
Act as the primary owner of the propulsion test cell and maintain a pristine, organized workspace (5S standards)

Requirements

3+ years of experience in aerospace, automotive, oil & gas, or a similar high-stakes technical field
Experience with pneumatics or hydraulics
Deep proficiency with fluid system components (regulators, check valves, solenoid valves, transducers).
Experience with torque wrenches, tube benders, and flared fittings
Ability to read and interpret complex P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams) and CAD drawings.
Familiar with windows style PC operating systems
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Climbing ladders, long durations of standing, grasping, sitting, pulling, and physical bending movements
Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs unassisted
Willing and able to work all shifts, overtime, and/or weekends as required
Willing and able to travel to support off-site launch site processing and environmental testing

Bonus

Experience in the aerospace industry
Experience with handling and integrating space flight components and spacecraft environmental testing
Hands-on experience using electrical test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, spectral analyzers, etc.)
Experience with thermal vacuum (TVAC) chambers or cryogenics
Basic familiarity with Python, LabVIEW, TwinCAT or automated test monitoring

What we offer:

All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.

Base pay is just one component of Astranis’s total rewards package. Your compensation also includes a significant equity package via incentive stock options, high-quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement planning, flexible PTO, and free on-site catered meals.

Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.

Base Hourly Pay

$36—$52 USD

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required

(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))

Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.