Astro Mechanica · San Francisco
Typical design pay at Astro Mechanica: $145K–$188K — median of 8 listed ranges.
Across all startups we track: $162K–$229K for design roles (579 listed ranges).
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.
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.
Astro Mechanica is seeking an experienced Mechanical Systems Design Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is someone who can take full ownership of hardware design from concept to production and has a deep understanding of their impact on surrounding systems. Technical challenges are resolved from first principles. Your work at Astro Mechanica will have a direct impact on the configuration and performance of the Astro Mechanica demonstrator aircraft.
In this role, your mission will be to shepherd novel airframe integration and component hardware from whiteboard design through analysis, qualification, vehicle integration, and aircraft flight.
Perform trade studies and first-order analyses to inform component design and system architecture decisions
Complete detailed component designs and drawings. Validate your designs with structural, thermal, and/or fluid analyses
Collaborate closely with propulsion, structures, avionics, controls, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless component and system integration
Work with suppliers to specify, select, and qualify off-the-shelf and/or custom components
Develop and conduct hardware test plans and analyze data to verify requirements and performance metrics meet design intent
Provide hands-on support during prototyping, vehicle builds, ground testing, and flight test campaigns
Participate in technical reviews, generate clear documentation, and contribute to safety and hazard analyses
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
2–5+ years of experience designing, integrating, or testing fluid or mechanical systems
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, precision measurement and GD&T
Proficiency in 3D CAD tools (NX, CATIA V5, SolidWorks, or similar) for routing, packaging, and component design
Solid understanding of mechanical system, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer fundamentals and analysis methods
Hands-on experience with hardware— fabrication, assembly, or testing
Takes initiative for continuous improvement (not just completing assigned tasks)
Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, evolving development environment
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
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.
From Astro Mechanica's careers page. First seen Sep 11, 2026, last verified Oct 26, 2026.
Open roles: 36, flat over the last 1 days.