Astro Mechanica · San Francisco
Typical software engineer pay at startups: $221K median, middle half $188K–$256K (2,406 posted ranges).
Typical engineering pay at Astro Mechanica: $155K–$223K — median of 16 listed ranges.
Across all startups we track: $170K–$242K for engineering roles (8,046 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.
You're a GNC software engineer who wants real ownership over the guidance and control systems of a clean-sheet autonomous aircraft. You work from first principles, you write the simulation and flight code yourself, and you work closely with hardware and software teams to get the aircraft flying. You care deeply about how systems behave in the real world—not just in simulation—and you’re motivated by building control architectures that are robust, testable, and ready for flight.
Develop and implement guidance, navigation, and control systems for our products
Engage in multi-disciplinary aircraft trades and help define the overall system architecture
Build and maintain 6-DOF dynamics and simulation models used for control design, analysis, and validation
Develop tooling to automate control design, monte carlos, and simulation validation
Work closely with peers across engineering disciplines to define the control schemes and mechanisms for our products
Support flight and ground test operations
Conduct post flight/test reviews and correlate performance with analysis for continuous improvement on predictions
Master’s degree or PhD in aerospace engineering, software engineering, robotics, electrical engineering, or related discipline
Professional experience in GNC development for an aerospace or autonomous vehicle program
Strong background in flight dynamics, modeling, and simulation
Proficiency in Rust, C++, or a comparable systems language, plus Python for analysis and tooling
Experience with software development best practices such as version control, code review, testing, and CI
Ambition to work in a fast-paced 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 9, 2026, last verified Oct 26, 2026.
Open roles: 36, flat over the last 1 days.