Senior Propulsion R&D Technician Verified today
About Inversion Space
Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour. Our mission is to make Low-Earth Orbit an on-demand logistics domain by turning space into a transportation layer. We work with the U.S. Space Force, NASA, and leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures.
The Role
As a 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. This multidisciplinary role requires troubleshooting and autonomous operations with different systems.
What You Will Do
- 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
- Must have the 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
Compensation and Location
California hourly rate: $47.00 to $61.00. Pay determined by role, level, location, market data, skills, experience, and internal equity. This position requires in-office presence at our headquarters in Playa Vista, California.
ITAR Compliance
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, 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.