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 Team

​At Astra, our Quality Control Team plays a pivotal role in ensuring our rockets and spacecraft hardware are built with components that meet exacting design specifications. This highly skilled group of metrology and quality-system experts collaborates closely with our in-house Machine Shop, Supply Chain, and Engineering departments. Together, we aim to produce parts of superior quality, at lower costs, and with greater efficiency than any other operation.​

The Opportunity

As a Quality Control Technician at Astra, you will serve as the definitive authority on the inspection of physical parts. Utilizing precision measurement tools and Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), you will assess the dimensional accuracy of machined components and meticulously document your findings. Applying best practices in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), you will set up and inspect parts across various materials and complexities. Your insights and recommendations will be communicated effectively to engineers and machinists, ensuring adherence to Astra's quality processes. This individual contributor role reports directly to the Production Shop Manager.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

• Inspection: Conduct setup, in-process, and final inspections of machined parts using instruments such as micrometers, calipers, gage pins/blocks, and surface plates.​
• CMM Programming and Operation: Program and operate CMMs using software like MODUS and CMM Manager to assess complex geometries.​
• Inspection Setup: Design and implement inspection setups, including go/no-go gauges and surface plate arrangements for diverse part configurations.​
• Process Development: Develop and refine quality control processes that balance part quality with production efficiency.​
• Documentation & Communication: Clearly convey results to relevant stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making and continuous improvement. Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, approachability, and the ability to collaborate effectively with team members.
• Collaboration: Work closely with engineers and machinists to address quality issues and implement corrective actions.​
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and address bottlenecks or recurring issues, contributing to ongoing process enhancements.

Why We Value You

• 2+ years of experience in an inspection or metrology role
• Experience working under ISO9001 or a comparable quality system, with a solid understanding of quality control documentation requirements
• Perform routine visual and dimensional inspection of in-house and vendor-supplied parts
• Review engineering drawings to determine appropriate inspection methods and sequences
• Proficient with precision measurement instruments including calipers, micrometers, hard gauges, and surface plate techniques
• Capable of interpreting inspection results, comparing to specifications, and making confident, informed decisions
• Apply expert knowledge of GD&T and support proper interpretation by machinists and designers
• Validate and maintain metrology equipment, including ensuring calibration traceability
• Maintain lab cleanliness and adherence to safety and environmental standards
• Program coordinate measurement machines (CMMs) using software such as MODUS
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and management teams to share technical insights and resolve issues
• Follow procedures for disposition and handling of non-conforming materials.
• Uphold high standards of professionalism and accountability in day-to-day work
• Comfortable using Excel and Word; basic proficiency in CAD is a plus
• Demonstrates attention to detail, urgency, and a positive, solutions-focused mindset
• Dedicated to delivering high-quality work and ensuring the integrity of shop-produced components
• Committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment
• Continuously seeks ways to improve individual and team performance

Desired Multipliers

• 5+ years of hands-on experience working in a professional shop environment in the areas of quality control, inspection, or similar
• Experience working in an aerospace quality environment
• Experience working in the quality control department in a high-mix, fast paced job shop
• CAM experience
• Coursework or certifications in the area of QA/QC
• Direct experience working as a machinist or fabricator
• Trained in an engineering or design discipline
• Experience in a QA/QC profession

The pay range for this role is: $40.00 - $45.00 per hour

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.

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.

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.