Senior Lab Technician
Hands-on Senior Lab Technician building, instrumenting, and testing aerospace hardware in a Hardware-in-the-Loop Systems Integration Lab. Requires 4-6 years aircraft maintenance, prototype fabrication, and machine shop experience plus ability to obtain Secret clearance.
About the job
Responsibilities
- Construct and assemble air vehicle systems and subsystems such as landing gear, mechanisms, fluid systems, test articles in alignment with engineering drawings, engineering instructions, and CAD models.
- Support the design, prototyping, and fabrication of new products, R&D initiatives, and flight-ready hardware.
- Work with aerospace-grade materials and perform component repairs using industry-standard techniques and tools.
- Fabricate fixtures, machine brackets, and execute rapid modifications on prototype hardware as needed.
- Install strain gauges, thermocouples and various sensors according to precise instrumentation schematics.
- Route cabling, integrate data acquisition systems, and verify sensor calibration and operational status.
- Conduct mechanical testing by applying static and dynamic loads per detailed engineering procedures.
- Document test outcomes clearly and report anomalies or irregularities in a timely manner.
- Ensure a clean, organized, and safe workspace across shop, lab, and composite work areas.
- Contribute to ongoing improvements in instrumentation standards, testing procedures, and fabrication workflows.
- Source and manage inventory for parts and equipment needed for component repair or replacement.
Requirements
- 4-6 years of experience in aircraft/Lab maintenance, prototype fabrication, test stand design & fabrication.
- Proficient in metallic and mechanisms fabrication, installation & removal.
- Hands-on experience in machine shop operations, including manual and/or CNC tools.
- Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, and detailed work instructions.
- Comfortable working in shop and lab environments with exposure to noise, dust, and chemicals.
- Ability to lift and move parts and equipment (up to 50 lbs.) and perform physical work for extended periods.
- Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance.
Nice-to-Haves
- Familiarity with a variety of mechanical systems (e.g., hydraulic actuators, pumps, fluids, load frames, DAQ systems).
- Familiarity with a variety of electrical systems (e.g., cable harness checkouts, electrical connections, power requirements).
- Experience in aerospace, automotive, defense, or high-performance prototyping environments.
- Able to work independently and adapt quickly to changing technical needs.
Skills
Cnc, CAD, Daq, Strain Gauges, Thermocouples, Schematics, Machine Shop, Prototype Fabrication, Test Stand Design, Aerospace Materials, Mechanical Testing, Instrumentation
Similar jobs
Hardware Engineering jobs
Crusoe
United States
Own and optimize critical facility infrastructure supporting AI data center operations, including electrical, mechanical, cooling, and building management systems. The role requires at least three years of facilities or critical-infrastructure experience, strong troubleshooting skills, and familiarity with applicable safety and engineering standards.
Mariana Minerals
Houston, TX
Leads development and validation of steady-state and dynamic process models for integrated mineral refining systems. Requires 8+ years of process simulation experience, engineering expertise in transport and thermodynamics, and proficiency with industrial simulation tools.
Crusoe
Brighton, CO
Leads supplier qualification, audits, NPI quality, corrective actions, and continuous improvement for manufacturing suppliers. Requires a bachelor’s degree, 3+ years of relevant experience, strong quality-methodology expertise, engineering drawing literacy, and cross-functional influence.
Northwood Space
Torrance, CA
Leads the design, construction, deployment, and live operations of a global ground-station network from the Los Angeles headquarters. The role requires 5+ years of relevant engineering experience, a bachelor's degree, hands-on field expertise, and frequent domestic and international travel.
Northwood Space
Torrance, CA
Builds and leads supplier quality systems for complex RF, PCBA, mechanical, and electromechanical hardware used in satellite ground stations. The role requires 5+ years in supplier quality or development, supplier qualification expertise, and experience with aerospace-quality standards and manufacturing ramp-up.