Who We Are

First and foremost, we are a team of professionals who set out to create a world class company. We are a firm regarded for our client centered results and collaborative culture.

Our History

Astra was founded in 2020 by Chris Parker to fulfill the needs of American industry by leveraging his 15 years of experience in engineering and manufacturing operations. His background makes for a unique blend of expertise and understanding of operations that adds tremendous value to the design-build process. This mentality is perpetuated throughout the entire team thanks to strong values of leadership and customer focus within our organization. Operating out of Twin Falls, Idaho, Astra is positioned to provide local support to clients throughout the Northwest.

Our Mission

Astra Engineering delivers thoughtful and innovative solutions that exceed expectations. With deep industry expertise and a drive for progress, we work side by side with our clients to ensure every project is approached with care, precision, and a hands-on mindset.

Our Core Values

Focus on Innovation

We embrace new methods and technologies and remain unbounded by convention. We value fresh perspectives and approach new ideas with open minds. We leverage our collective skills and resources to take on challenges with vigor and creativity.

Integrity in Action

Safety, quality, governance, and respect guide everything we do. We uphold the highest standards, take responsibility for our actions, and make the right choices—even when they are difficult.

Unrelenting Client Focus

We are responsive, respectful, and collaborative. We shape our approach to the needs of each project and remain adaptive as projects progress. We apply all of our experience and skills to ensure we deliver superior results from the initial concept all the way through to the finished product.

Leadership at Every Level

We focus on leadership at every level of the organization. We ensure our team members are empowered to achieve their potential because we genuinely appreciate them and desire their professional and personal growth. We live our values, we respect each other, and we help each other grow to foster a company culture of which we can all be proud.

Our Team

Chris Parker

President

Chris brings over two decades of experience in plant operations and engineering to his role as Principal Engineer at Astra Engineering. Before founding Astra, Chris built a distinguished career that culminated in an executive-level engineering leadership position within the food processing industry. His drive to leverage his extensive expertise for a broader range of clients led him to establish Astra Engineering.

Throughout his career, Chris has overseen the design and execution of projects valued at hundreds of millions of dollars. His experience spans greenfield plant designs, process engineering, automation design, and implementation. He is recognized for his sharp focus on process improvement, Lean design practices, and his deep expertise in designing hygienic processes and plant utility systems.

Since founding Astra Engineering, Chris has successfully led the design and management of several significant projects, including three greenfield and two brownfield developments, with construction values collectively reaching several hundred million dollars. His diverse client base includes industries ranging from food manufacturing to heavy mining.

Meet the Rest of the Team:

  • Justice Boisselle

    Mechanical Engineer

    Justice brings comprehensive expertise in commercial and industrial mechanical, plumbing, and process design, specializing in HVAC, plumbing systems, and process piping. With a master’s in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Tulsa and a bachelor’s from Oral Roberts University, he combines academic knowledge with hands-on experience to solve complex engineering challenges. Recently, Justice led the intricate 3D design of process piping for an industrial filtration system processing millions of pounds of product daily, demonstrating his skill in managing complex projects effectively.

  • Alexander Yellen

    Electrical/Controls Engineer

    Alexander brings expertise in machine and facility design across industries, including wastewater treatment and semiconductor manufacturing. His work spans power systems, chemical handling, pneumatics, control panels, and programming PLCs and HMIs. Skilled in instrumentation, construction support, and documentation, Alexander develops innovative, cost-effective solutions that streamline construction and reduce labor costs. He leads interdisciplinary teams and emphasizes clear client communication. A Boise State graduate in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a minor in Applied Mathematics, Alexander is passionate about using automation to enhance safety and efficiency.

  • Nick Allen

    CAD Designer

    Nick, a graduate of the College of Southern Idaho’s Drafting Technologies program, brings a unique background in management and real estate to his work in Computer Design and Engineering. At Astra, he plays a crucial role in designing and drafting mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. His 3D modeling skills enhance project accuracy and team collaboration, consistently improving outcomes. Nick’s adaptability and commitment to learning make him a valuable contributor, delivering high-quality work that meets client needs.

  • Austin Allred

    Controls Engineer

    With over 17 years of experience in instrumentation and automation within industrial processing and manufacturing, Austin serves as a Controls Engineer here at Astra Engineering. Austin specializes in high-performance HMI design and control system integration, leveraging industry standards to deliver efficient and reliable solutions. His hands on expertise combined with technical precision, enables him to create optimized, industry-compliant systems tailored for excellence.

    In his free time, Austin enjoys working with electronics and CNC manufacturing, which further enhances his hands-on approach and fuels his passion for precision and innovation in industrial design.

  • Fermin Sanchez

    CAD Drafter

    Fermin is a skilled and motivated CADD Drafter with five years of hands-on experience in commercial construction drafting and a graduate of the College of Southern Idaho. With a strong focus on 3D modeling and expertise in MEP and structural drafting, Fermin combines technical skill with practical field knowledge to produce precise, detailed models that enhance visualization and support smooth project coordination.

    Fermin's extensive experience with large-scale commercial projects has equipped him with proficiency in advanced 3D modeling tools, allowing him to create comprehensive models that accurately represent everything from intricate structural elements to complex MEP systems. His attention to detail and commitment to integrated design enable efficient project execution and seamless communication between design and construction teams. Recognized for his collaborative spirit, Fermin excels at creating actionable, efficient designs that add clarity and value to large projects.

  • Jason Anderson

    Electrical Engineer

    Jason earned a degree in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Applied Mathematics from Boise State University. His academic background, combined with hands-on experience, has given him a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of electrical engineering. Jason always strives for efficiency- a firm believe in finding a better, more cost-effective way to accomplish a task. When designing electrical systems, he takes pride in finding ways to reduce cost and save labor during installation. Jason prioritizes a design that simplifies the installation process, ensuring that systems are intuitive and minimizing the risk of incorrect assembly.