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Senior Propulsion R&D Technician Verified today

Inversion Space · Playa Vista, CA · Propulsion · first seen 2026-07-31
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About Inversion Space

Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pioneering advanced reentry technology. The company designs, manufactures, and integrates the Arc spacecraft, a highly maneuverable reentry vehicle for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and national security missions. Headquartered in Los Angeles with operations in Playa Vista, Inversion moves rapidly from concept to flight under one roof.

The Role

As Senior Propulsion R&D Technician, you will enable rapid production and testing of propulsion hardware by ensuring high quality at every step of development. You will collaborate with propulsion engineers to design and execute procedures for metrology, metallography, inspection, assembly, integration, and testing necessary to demonstrate designs meet mission goals.

This is a multidisciplinary role requiring troubleshooting and autonomous operation with different systems. You will be hands-on, flexible, and skilled with test equipment and mechanical systems in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with propulsion engineers to aid the development of new hardware
  • Build and test propulsion hardware such as components, actuators, and engines
  • Perform pneumatic and hydraulic pressure testing of various propulsion components
  • Perform metallography including preparation (grind, polish, etch, mount), inspection (microscope, XRF/SEM/CT analysis), and testing (tensile, hardness) with applicable devices
  • Execute experiments, analyze data, and develop processes for optimizing additive manufacturing
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization in the shop

Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent certificate
  • Typically 5+ years of experience working on aerospace or propulsion systems, or pressurized devices
  • Typically 2+ years of experience working on additively manufactured hardware development
  • Experience working in an R&D environment
  • Positive attitude, eagerness to learn and grow, and team-oriented attitude
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience with additive manufacturing and/or metallography
  • Experience with test coupons preparation including cutting, mounting, polishing, etching
  • Experience with Optical Microscopy and/or XRF/SEM/CT analysis
  • Demonstrated experience working with engineers to improve designs or processes
  • Prior experience working in startups and/or small independent teams

Physical Requirements

  • Must be open to work either designated shift, overtime, and weekends
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of 8 hours minimum
  • Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces

Location and Compensation

This position requires in-office presence at our headquarters in Playa Vista, CA. The California hourly rate for this role is currently $47.00-$61.00. Pay is determined by role, level, location, market data, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, and candidate abilities.

ITAR Compliance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.