Production Technician, Harnessing

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  As a Production Technician – Harnessing on the Astra Spacecraft Engine (ASE) team, you will play a key role in the assembly, integration, and testing of high-reliability electrical harnesses used in our spacecraft propulsion systems. Your craftsmanship will directly support the quality, performance, and success of the Astra Spacecraft Engine as it operates in the harsh environment of space. This hands-on role requires expertise in wire harness assembly, crimping, soldering, routing, and verification. You'll collaborate closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Mission Assurance, Product, and Program Management to build complex wiring systems for both development and production hardware. How You'll Fulfill Your Mission Harness Assembly: Build and route precision wiring harnesses using detailed engineering drawings, schematics, and wire lists Soldering & Crimping: Terminate and install electrical connectors, including high-reliability soldering and crimping (per NASA/IPC/J-STD standards) Routing & Integration: Integrate harnesses into propulsion modules, panels, and test fixtures while maintaining proper bend radii, strain relief, and routing paths ESD Compliance: Work in ESD-controlled environments, following industry standards for electrostatic discharge prevention Inspection & Testing: Perform continuity, insulation resistance, and high-pot (as applicable) tests to ensure harness integrity and performance Documentation: Accurately log serial numbers, inspection results, torque values, and non-conformances in production tracking systems Cleanroom Protocols: Follow cleanroom and contamination control procedures when handling flight-critical hardware Safety & Quality: Adhere to all safety protocols, quality requirements, and workmanship standards to ensure mission-critical reliability Team Collaboration: Work closely with engineers and peers to support builds, resolve issues, and contribute to ongoing process improvements Why We Value You 5+ years of experience building and testing aerospace, defense, or high-reliability wire harnesses Demonstrated proficiency in soldering, crimping, connector assembly, wire routing, and cable dressing Experience working with NASA-STD-8739.4, IPC/WHMA-A-620, or similar harnessing workmanship standards Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow detailed instructions and work instructions Experience in cleanroom and ESD-sensitive environments Skilled in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and bill of materials Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across engineering, quality, and production teams Willingness to work overtime and weekends as needed to meet program schedules Able to lift up to 25 lbs and perform physically demanding assembly tasks Self-starter with a high level of craftsmanship, quality awareness, and accountability Desired Multipliers  Experience working in fast-paced or startup aerospace environments Familiarity with vacuum-rated wiring and high-voltage harnesses Experience supporting propulsion system integration or spacecraft harnessing Ability to assist in the development of work instructions, quality checklists, and assembly standards Eagerness to mentor junior technicians and share knowledge to improve team capability The pay range for this role is:  $40.00 - $55.00 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.