Propulsion Test Technician Verified today

About the Role

Apex Space is seeking a Propulsion Test Technician to support hands-on testing of spacecraft propulsion hardware, including thrusters, flow controllers, and power processing units (PPUs). You will be responsible for setting up, executing, and tearing down tests, operating test stands and vacuum chambers, maintaining test equipment, and working closely with engineers to keep propulsion testing safe, reliable, and moving at production rate.

Responsibilities

• Set up, execute, and tear down propulsion tests on thrusters, flow controllers, PPUs, and related propulsion hardware
• Operate propulsion test stands, vacuum chambers, pumping systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition equipment
• Install and remove test articles, including fluid connections, electrical interfaces, sensors, instrumentation, and associated ground support equipment
• Perform pre-test checkouts to verify hardware configuration, instrumentation, and test setup are correct and safe to operate
• Execute test procedures and monitor hardware, instrumentation, and facility systems throughout testing
• Perform routine and preventive maintenance on test stands, vacuum chambers, pumps, instrumentation, and ground support equipment
• Troubleshoot test equipment and hardware issues alongside test and propulsion engineers to minimize downtime
• Monitor equipment health and identify potential failures or maintenance needs before they impact testing
• Maintain test cells, tooling, equipment, and consumables to ensure systems are organized, calibrated, and ready to run
• Maintain accurate test logs, as-run documentation, configuration records, and equipment maintenance history
• Provide feedback to engineering on test procedures, tooling, equipment, and processes to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency
• Follow safety requirements for vacuum systems, pressurized systems, high-voltage hardware, and other hazardous operations
• Support qualification and acceptance testing at production rate as Apex scales spacecraft manufacturing

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 3 or more years of hands-on experience in a test, lab, manufacturing, maintenance, or similar technical environment
• Hands-on experience using hand tools, power tools, torque tools, fasteners, tubing and fittings, and electrical cabling
• Ability to read and follow technical procedures, engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot hardware and equipment issues
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate test and maintenance documentation
• Safety-first mindset and ability to work around pressurized systems, high voltage, vacuum equipment, and other hazardous operations
• Ability to work effectively with engineers and technicians in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15)

Nice to Haves

• Technical or vocational training, military technical experience, or an associate degree in a relevant field
• Experience operating vacuum chambers, vacuum pumps, or other test and laboratory equipment
• Experience installing and troubleshooting test instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems
• Experience with fluid systems, pressurized gases, propellant systems, or high-voltage electrical hardware
• Experience supporting propulsion, aerospace, or spacecraft test operations
• Experience with qualification, acceptance, or production-rate testing
• Familiarity with preventive maintenance and calibration practices for test equipment and instrumentation
• Experience working under range safety or hazardous operations requirements

What We Offer Full-time Employees

• Equity in Apex
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
• Comprehensive PTO: starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
• Competitive 401(k) plan with 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
• 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks
• Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and family gatherings
• Equipment and tools for productive work
• In-person office in Playa Vista with flexibility to integrate work and life
• Work with experts from aerospace, new space, and cutting-edge industries