AstroTalentSpace Jobs

Fluids & Propulsion Technician (I-III) Verified today

True Anomaly · Long Beach, CA · Propulsion · first seen 2026-07-16
Apply at True Anomaly →

Your Mission

As a Fluids and Propulsion Technician, you will play a vital role in the assembly, integration, and testing of propulsion systems. You will collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to bring innovative propulsion systems from early development through flight readiness and production ramp. This role may be leveled from Technician I to Technician III based on experience, skills, and demonstrated proficiency.

Responsibilities

  • Fluids and Propulsion Assembly: Build, install, and test fluids and propulsion hardware including thrusters, tanks, valves, manifolds, fluid lines, panels, trays, and harnessing using engineering drawings, work instructions, and process documentation. Bend, flare, fit, route, and clean tubes to meet required standards. Disassemble and assemble valves and other propulsion components.
  • Component Preparation and Handling: Prepare, clean, preserve, and handle fluid and pressure-system components with precision. Operate and maintain cleaning, purge, pressure, and test equipment while ensuring safety, cleanliness, and traceability.
  • System Integration: Work alongside engineering and quality teams to integrate fluids and propulsion components and subsystems. Support checkouts, inspections, troubleshooting, nonconformance resolution, and functional testing.
  • Testing and Validation: Conduct and support fluids and propulsion tests, including proof, leak, pressure, flow, functional, and qualification testing. Set up test hardware and equipment, follow test procedures, and accurately record test data.
  • Safety and Compliance: Follow protocols for hazardous materials, pressurized systems, FOD prevention, ESD control, cleanroom operations, and other applicable safety and quality requirements.
  • Continuous Improvement: Support improvements to assembly processes, tooling, work instructions, and manufacturing methods. Provide guidance and technical support to less experienced technicians as appropriate for level.

Qualifications

  • Technical degree, certificate, apprenticeship, or equivalent training in aerospace, mechanical, manufacturing, welding, or a related field.
  • Relevant experience in the assembly, integration, and testing of aerospace fluids, propulsion, pressure, or high-reliability systems.
  • Experience building and integrating fluids panels and tray assemblies.
  • Proficiency reading engineering drawings, schematics, process sheets, and work instructions.
  • Experience with tubing, fittings, valves, manifolds, pressure systems, or related hardware.
  • Experience working in ESD-sensitive, FOD-critical, and cleanroom environments.
  • Ability to safely use hand tools, torque tools, precision measurement equipment, and specialized assembly or test equipment.
  • Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to lift 25 pounds and work in and around constrained or confined spaces.
  • Ability to follow detailed procedures and accurately document completed work and test results.

Leveling Guidance

  • Technician I: Develops proficiency in fluids and propulsion assembly, component preparation, documentation, and testing while working under regular guidance. Typically has 0-1 years of relevant experience or equivalent technical training.
  • Technician II: Independently performs a broad range of assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and test activities. Typically has 1-3 years of relevant experience.
  • Technician III: Performs complex assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and testing with limited supervision. Serves as a technical resource for other technicians and supports process development, qualification testing, and production ramp. Typically has 3+ years of relevant experience or equivalent demonstrated proficiency.

Preferred Skills

  • Aerospace welding and brazing
  • Orbital tube welding
  • Tube bending, flaring, swaging, and precision fitting
  • Experience with leak, proof, pressure, flow, or functional testing
  • Experience with hazardous fluids, high-pressure gas, cryogenic, or vacuum systems
  • Experience supporting spacecraft integration, qualification testing, or production operations
  • Relevant welding, brazing, cleanroom, hazardous materials, or pressure-system certifications

Compensation and Benefits

Base Salary:

  • Technician I: $26.50-$36/hr
  • Technician II: $31.50-$41.50/hr
  • Technician III: $36-$50.50/hr

Equity plus benefits including health, dental, vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401k, and parental leave.

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

Requirements

  • Work Location: Long Beach, CA area
  • Physical Demands: Ability to lift 25 pounds, bend, sit, and work in constrained or confined spaces
  • U.S. Person Status: You must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State to comply with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).