Prototyping Engineer

Project Description:

The Mars Warming Research team at Astera Institute is led by Edwin Kite. Prof. Kite's team is assessing the feasibility of warming Mars through the release of engineered aerosol into the Martian atmosphere ( The project is funded through April 2027.

To assess the feasibility of the Mars warming method, it is necessary to develop and test several functionalities of a potential Mars surface payload. The Mars surface test payload is expected to feature the following main elements:

• A lidar to track a small test batch of engineered aerosol.
• A weather station including a wind sensor and a pair of engineering cameras.
• A particle dispenser that can effectively release the aerosol.
• A particle storage system.

Position Summary:

We are looking for a creative engineer to perform foundational work for our research. The Prototyping Engineer will support prototyping activities for the particle dispenser, particle storage system and on lidar tracking of the plume. The goal is to raise the Technology Readiness Level of these elements to inform the sizing and functionality of a future Mars payload.

This is an open-level position within the Mars Warming Research team. Early-career engineers (3-5 years) will report to Senior Research Scientist Alex Kling and work closely with him. More experienced engineers (5+ years) will report directly to Edwin Kite, the project lead, and have greater autonomy in directing the prototyping program.

The Prototyping Engineer will work with the rest of the 6-person team to rapidly design, develop and test core functionalities of the monitoring and release systems.

Key Responsibilities:

The role involves self-directed responsibility and ambitious deliverables and will include:

• CAD design work.
• System sizing from first principles and literature.
• Basic structural analysis or computational fluid dynamics simulations.
• Fast manufacturing and assembly.
• Set-up of sensor arrays to measure system performance (some field testing will be required, both at analog sites and large environmental chambers).
• Data processing and presentations to the rest of the team for use in conference presentations and technical reports.

Essential Skills:

• Experience with embedded systems.
• Experience with CAD (any widely available software).
• Manufacturing and workshop skills: 3D printing, laser cutting, metal work etc.
• Experience with testing.
• Ability to size and evaluate systems from first principles.
• Ability to work independently and drive the prototyping process.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with air classifier systems and aerosol dispersal applications.
• Experience with spacecraft and/or surface payload instrumentation.
• Experience designing optical systems.
• Experience with structural analysis.
• Experience with spacecraft integration and testing.
• Experience with field testing campaigns for planetary science missions.

About Astera:

Astera is a private foundation on a mission to steer science and technology toward an abundant future for all. We believe the coming years will bring an era of unprecedented scientific and technological advancement as exponential progress in AI converges with central advances in other fields to dramatically accelerate innovation. This inflection point provides an unparalleled opportunity to fundamentally rethink the institutions, systems, and tools that drive scientific progress. We are searching for visionary leaders who are compelled by the challenge of driving transformative change in the way science is funded, conducted, and communicated. You can read more about our mission, vision, and programming here.

Logistics:

• Location: On-site work in Emeryville, CA is required, limited hybrid work (1 day/week) is negotiable
• Preferred start date is prior to 28 February, 2026.

As a non-profit organization, we're exempt from the H-1B cap; visa sponsorship may be available for qualified candidates.

This role offers a unique opportunity to architect the first research mission to engage with one of humanity's greatest challenges.