Senior Staff Software Engineer

Sr. Staff Software EngineerAstra'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 software team has always operated as a small, versatile team that punches above its weight. As we grow we want to maintain those cross-functional technical skillsets and embrace diversity in backgrounds because sometimes writing the best rocket company software in the world is like programming a synthesizer, and other times it is like sanding the rust off of an old cabinet.Did writing software to launch rockets not already convince you to sign up?As a Sr. Staff Software Engineer, you will architect and build systems that automate every aspect of testing and launching rockets. You'll design the tools to collect and analyze high-speed, high-precision telemetry data, lead technical initiatives across the organization, and invent the technologies that power the next generation of the space industry.This is a high-impact role where you'll shape technical direction, mentor engineers, and solve problems that don't have existing solutions.We are an AI-forward engineering organization. Are you already to use AI tools to write code, architect systems, and solve complex problems in your daily work? Our engineers:Use AI as a force multiplier in their daily workDesign systems assuming AI-assisted development and operationsValue engineers who experiment, adapt quickly, and adopt better toolsHow You'll Fulfill Your MissionArchitect: Design and lead the development of systems that automate rocket testing, manufacturing, and launch operations across the organization.Innovate: Invent new approaches to high-speed data collection, real-time telemetry analysis, and control systems for critical operations.Lead: Drive technical direction, mentor engineers, and establish best practices for building mission-critical software.Integrate: Work across engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to understand end-to-end workflows and build cohesive solutions.Scale: Build cloud-native infrastructure and services with high availability and high reliability that enable fast iteration.Collaborate: Partner with teams of diverse backgrounds and skill sets, bringing empathy and technical depth to every interaction.Why We Value You12+ years extensive experience building production software systems, with deep expertise in both legacy and modern technologiesExpert-level proficiency in Python and TypeScript, with experience working across C/C++, Go, and other languagesProven track record of architecting and delivering cloud-native systems with high availability and reliabilityDeep experience with system design, data pipelines, real-time telemetry systems, and time-series databasesStrong understanding of API design patterns and frameworks (REST, gRPC, JSON, YAML, Protobuf)Experience leading technical initiatives, mentoring engineers, and driving architectural decisionsAbility to thrive in a fast-paced, reactive environment where software touches every facet of the organizationPassion for tackling hard, novel problems and inventing new solutionsExceptional attention to detail and sense of urgency—you understand we work with high voltage, explosives, and cryogenic materialsStrong collaboration and communication skills with empathy for diverse teams and stakeholdersWhat Sets You ApartYou architect systems that are simple, reliable, and scale effortlesslyYou invent solutions to problems that don't have existing answersYou mentor engineers and elevate the technical capability of the teamYou make complex technical decisions clear and accessible to diverse stakeholdersYou move fast while maintaining exceptional quality in mission-critical systemsYou have strong opinions about software architecture—and can back them up with experienceDesired MultipliersExperience in aerospace, robotics, or hardware-software integration systemsContributions to open source projects or technical leadership in the broader communityBackground in control systems, packet tracing, or embedded systemsExperience with Kubernetes, Docker, and modern cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP, Azure)Track record of scaling teams or technical practicesWhat Success Looks LikeSystems are architected for reliability, scalability, and maintainabilityEngineers across the organization are unblocked and moving fasterTechnical decisions are well-documented and widely understoodCritical systems operate flawlessly under extreme conditionsThe team is growing in capability and delivering increasing impactThe pay range for this role is: $179,140-240,000 per yearThe 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.