Mechanical Development Test Technician- Test Site (I,II,III or Senior)

YOUR MISSION

We are seeking a highly skilled Developmental Test Technician with deep expertise in mechanical systems to support hands-on test operations at our test site facilities. This is a test site-based role requiring regular travel between our Long Beach headquarters and remote test locations. You will be on the floor every day—assembling spacecraft structures and mechanisms, configuring test fixtures, operating test equipment, and executing test campaigns for mechanical hardware and assemblies. Reporting to the Developmental Test Technician Lead, you'll work alongside mechanical test engineers to deliver safe, precise, high-quality test operations in a fast-paced, build-it-from-scratch startup environment. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and configuration of mechanical test articles, test fixtures, and ground support equipment in preparation for structural, mechanism, and vibration test campaigns. 

• Execute mechanical system test operations including structural tests, mechanism functional tests, vibration testing, and performance validation under the direction of test engineers. 

• Fabricate, modify, and repair test fixtures, tooling, and mechanical hardware using precision hand tools, power tools, and machine shop equipment. 

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot mechanical test equipment including torque tools, precision measurement instruments, vibration systems, and test fixtures. 

• Perform mechanical hardware inspections and documentation, ensuring proper torque application, fastener standards, and flagging non-conformances to the test engineering team. 

• Support setup, calibration, and verification of test instrumentation including strain gauges, accelerometers, thermocouples, and displacement sensors. 

• Maintain tooling, test equipment, and consumables readiness including inventory tracking and calibration management. 

• Support anomaly investigations through hands-on observations, hardware teardown, and documentation of as-found conditions. 

• Travel regularly between Long Beach headquarters and test sites to support test campaigns and maintain test site readiness. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS 

• Technical degree, certification, vocational training, or equivalent hands-on experience (5+ years) in mechanical systems, machining, fabrication, precision assembly, or mechanical trades. 

• Extensive hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, structural testing, or mechanism testing operations. 

• Working knowledge of precision torque application, fastener standards, and mechanical assembly best practices. 

• Proficiency reading and working from engineering drawings, mechanical schematics, assembly procedures, and work instructions. 

• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience using precision measurement tools, hand tools, and power tools. 

• Understanding of safety compliance and OSHA requirements for mechanical test operations. 

• Willingness to travel/support between sites including test sites to achieve company milestones. 

• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs, work in confined spaces, and perform extended standing, bending, and reaching tasks. 

• U.S. Citizenship required due to government contracts. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• 8+ years of aerospace or defense test operations experience with spacecraft structures, mechanisms, or mechanical assemblies. 

• Experience with vibration testing, structural load testing, or environmental testing operations. 

• Background in data acquisition systems and test instrumentation setup. 

• Experience with aerospace mechanisms including deployment systems, actuators, or release devices. 

• Machining skills (mill, lathe, CNC) and experience with precision fabrication. 

• Familiarity with precision measurement systems including CMMs, optical measurement, or laser tracking. 

• Experience with cleanroom protocols and contamination control procedures. 

• Prior experience at development or environmental test facilities. 

• Leadership experience mentoring junior technicians or leading work teams. 

• Active DoD clearance or ability to obtain one. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

Base Salary: 

• Technician Level 1:  $32-41/hr
• Technician Level 2:  $40-55/hr
• Technician Level 3:  $45-60/hr
• Senior Technician: $55-70/hr

Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave 

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location—Successful candidates will be located near Long Beach, CA
• Work environment—the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
• Physical demands—the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite