Propulsion Technician, Tube Bending

Posted:
3/2/2026, 4:37:37 AM

Location(s):
California, United States ⋅ San Francisco, California, United States

Experience Level(s):
Mid Level

Field(s):
Mechanical Engineering

Workplace Type:
On-site

Pay:
$53/hr or $110,240 total comp

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe— large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts.

Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization. Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world’s best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.

Propulsion Technician, Tube Bending

As a Propulsion Technician, you will be responsible for coordinating and supporting the production of propulsion hardware. You will also be responsible for operating and maintaining a world-class CNC tube bender, metal fabrication tools, as well as managing an inventory of space hardware.

Role
  • Program, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain a CNC Tube Bender, and otherl metal fabrication tools for aerospace applications
  • Prepare metal components for welding and/or assembly into micro-GEO satellites
  • Manage the inventory and material traceability for thousands of propulsion components
  • Perform dimensional and quality inspections on propulsion components and assemblies
  • Follow processes and work instructions, complete associated paperwork, and provide detailed feedback to authors
  • Identify and procure capital equipment, manage its installation, and perform its commissioning
  • Be a jack-of-all-trades around the factory - learn new skills, help other teams, be able to find other uses for your talents
Requirements
  • Ability to program CNC equipment, and operate fabrication tools
  • Ability to interpret technical drawings, test plans, and work to procedures
  • Ability to operate cranes, man lifts, tugs & handling equipment
  • Willing and able to work all shifts, overtime, and/or weekends as required
  • Willing and able to travel to support vendor visits and trainings
  • Climbing ladders, long durations of standing, grasping, sitting, pulling, and physical bending movements
  • Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs unassisted
  • Don't meet them all? Not a problem. Please apply even if you do not meet all these criteria
Bonus
  • 3+ years of experience doing tube bending, aerospace/ high-precision assembly or fabrication, and/or CNC machine operation
  • Experience operating a CNC tube bender
  • Experience operating a FARO arm or CMM
  • Good understanding of GD&T
  • Experience welding, specifically orbital tube welding (OTW)
  • Experience related to other roles in the production of satellites, i.e. machining, welding, assembly, or harnessing
What we offer: 
 
All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.
 
Base pay is just one component of Astranis’s total rewards package. Your compensation also includes a significant equity package via incentive stock options, high-quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement planning, flexible PTO, and free on-site catered meals.
 
Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.
Base Hourly Pay
$36$47 USD
U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required
(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))
 
Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.