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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 builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space. The mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. Spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision.

The Role

The Propulsion and Energetics team creates the hardware that facilitates high maneuverability on-orbit and in the upper atmosphere. As a Senior Propulsion R&D Technician, you will be responsible for enabling rapid production and testing of propulsion hardware by ensuring high quality at every step of the development process.

You will collaborate with propulsion engineers to design and execute procedures for metrology, metallography, inspection, assembly, integration, and testing necessary to demonstrate a design or technology meets our goals. This role is multidisciplinary and requires troubleshooting and autonomous operations with different kinds of systems.

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

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance
  • 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

Desired Qualifications

  • Typically 9+ years of professional experience working on additive manufacturing hardware development
  • 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 designated shifts, overtime, and weekends
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods (8 hours minimum)
  • Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces

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.

Compensation and Location

California hourly rate: $47.00 to $61.00. This position requires in-office presence in Playa Vista, CA. Pay is determined on a case-by-case basis based on role, level, location, market data, interviews, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, and internal equity.