Posted on:March 3, 2026

Propulsion Technician at Astro Mechanica

Astro Mechanica is hiring a Propulsion Technician in San Francisco, CA, US. On-site.

About Astro Mechanica

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing jet engines, airframes, and flight systems for high-speed flight. It is engineering a jet engine for efficiency across subsonic and supersonic speeds, and its proprietary Duality dual-use propulsion system is intended to make supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. The company plans to combine these technologies with a new flight operations model to enable rapid, on-demand, point-to-point global mobility. In the near term, it is developing adaptable high-speed systems for the United States government.

Propulsion Technician job description

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.

WHO WE ARE:

We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

WHO YOU ARE:

Astro Mechanica is seeking a Propulsion Technician to join our growing manufacturing and prototyping team. The ideal candidate is a highly skilled hands-on builder who takes pride in crafting precise, high-performance components that push the boundaries of aerospace engineering. You have a deep understanding of materials, fabrication techniques, and mechanical systems—and you thrive in an environment where speed, precision, and innovation intersect.

Your work at Astro Mechanica will have a direct impact on the development of next-generation high-speed aircraft, contributing to both prototype and production systems that enable faster, more connected global travel. In this role, your mission will be to turn cutting-edge designs into flight-ready hardware through expert craftsmanship, problem-solving, and close collaboration with our engineering and manufacturing teams.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

  • Collaborate frequently with design and engineering teams to optimize manufacturability, ensure structural integrity, and refine fabrication processes.

  • Contribute to prototype builds and rapid iteration cycles, supporting the full lifecycle from concept to test article.

  • Maintain test facility operations and maintenance, troubleshoot problems, site cleanliness

  • Monitor and maintain sufficient inventory of equipment, supplies, and instrumentation

  • Operate manual machine shop equipment (drills, cutting tools, mills, lathes)

  • Fabricate with sheet metal (forming, shearing, rolling, stamping)

  • Material joining (GTAW welding, brazing, soldering, mechanical fastening)

  • Fluid systems plumbing (tube routing, swaging, flaring)

  • Harness assembly (crimping/soldering terminals, cable lacing, troubleshooting)

  • Maneuver heavy objects with forklift, rigging equipment

  • Conducts work efficiently while in a safe and professional manner

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

  • Demonstrated welding ability through prior projects, welding multiple alloys; certification(s) a strong plus.

  • 5+ years of hands-on fabrication experience in aerospace, automotive, motorsports, or other fast-paced manufacturing environments.

  • Familiarity with pressurized systems, fluid systems hardware and instrumentation

  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, P&ID, electrical schematics

  • Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of structural principles, materials, and joining methods.

  • Ability to work autonomously and take ownership of high-impact hardware builds under fast development timelines.

  • Experience with inspection equipment and precision calibrated tools

  • Takes initiative for continuous improvement (not just completing assigned tasks)

  • Attentive to detail and committed to maintaining the highest levels of quality in all work.

  • A team-oriented mindset with a passion for building something extraordinary.

  • Capable of lifting 35 pounds, stand for long periods, maneuver in restricted spaces, work low to ground and on raised platforms

PERKS & BENEFITS:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

  • 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan

  • Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time

  • Flexible work environment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.

Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Apply now

Applications go straight to Astro Mechanica. We never sit between you and the employer.

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