Senior Lab Technician

Samara Aerospace • San Francisco, CA

13h • $40 - $60

About The Position

Samara Aerospace is revolutionizing satellite design by addressing the challenges of deploying and managing large satellite constellations. Our innovative Hummingbird spacecraft bus offers a modular and scalable platform that streamlines satellite production and deployment, significantly reducing launch costs. Hummingbird's compact architecture maximizes launch capacity, making it the most efficient and agile spacecraft in the industry. At the core of our technology is the patented Multifunctional Structures for Attitude Control (MSAC) system. Unlike traditional wheel-based pointing control systems, MSAC utilizes actuators embedded in the hinges of deployable solar panels to provide 3-axis attitude control and active jitter cancellation. This design eliminates the need for spinning wheels, reducing mass and potential points of failure, while enhancing pointing precision.

Samara Aerospace is looking for a Senior Lab Technician to join our team as we build our first Hummingbird satellite technology demonstrator. As a growing startup, there are opportunities to lead the organization and layout of the development lab, support PCB rework, harness builds, CNC fabrication, hardware assembly, and environmental testing. You'll work alongside engineers across mechanical and electrical disciplines while contributing directly to hardware that will fly in space. If you like learning new skills, taking ownership, and doing work that matters, you'll fit right here.

Within your first three months, as you establish yourself and demonstrate ownership, this role can be formalized into a Senior Technician/Lab Manager position where you would take responsibility for coordinating and mentoring new technicians as we grow the team. If you're a hands-on, organized, and self-driven technician who wants to grow into leadership without leaving the hardware behind, this is the role for you.

Requirements

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in a hardware lab, production, or integration environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in some combination of electrical rework, PCB/cable/connector soldering, mechanical assembly, or systems integration.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of hand tools and power tools.
• Experience following and executing formal assembly or test procedures.
• Strong organizational skills. You take initiative to keep your workspace and team organized without being asked.
• Comfortable taking ownership of a space and a process, not just a task list.
• Clear and effective communicator, able to interface with engineers and coordinate with peers.
• Self-motivated and reliable in an environment where priorities can shift quickly.
• No degree is required. Demonstrated skill, ownership, and initiative are what matters here.

Nice To Haves

• J-STD-001 and/or IPC certification.
• Experience with flight or high-reliability hardware assembly.
• Background in aerospace, defense, or other demanding hardware environments.
• Experience developing or improving lab procedures and work instructions.
• Experience with 3D printing, CNC, and manual machining.
• Familiarity with hardware tracking, traveler documents, or basic configuration management practices.
• Prior experience mentoring or coordinating junior technicians.
• Exposure to cleanroom or visually clean facility protocols.

Responsibilities

• Perform soldering and rework of cables, connectors, and PCB assemblies in support of prototype and flight hardware builds.
• Perform mechanical assembly of prototype and spaceflight hardware.
• Support 3D printing operations for prototype parts and ground support equipment.
• Perform or support others in fabrication and assembly of ground support equipment (GSE), test fixtures, assembly jigs, and mass offload systems.
• Follow and execute assembly and test procedures with precision and attention to detail.
• Support integration and test activities across mechanical and electrical disciplines in a visually clean environment.
• Assist engineers with build, assembly, and test tasks across mechanical and electrical disciplines.
• Handle and process flight hardware in accordance with workmanship and cleanliness standards.
• Assist engineers with hands-on build, debug, and troubleshooting tasks.
• Own the day-to-day organization and upkeep of the hardware lab including bench layouts, tool management, consumables, and cleanliness.
• Track hardware status and assembly progress, maintaining clear and accurate records.
• Develop, document, and refine lab procedures and work instructions in collaboration with engineering.
• Support process development efforts to improve efficiency, repeatability, and quality in the lab.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining OSHA compliance across shop and lab spaces.
• Maintain a safe working environment and support compliance with applicable lab and facility standards.
• Help coordinate external contractors and vendors as needed during lab buildout.
• As additional technicians join the team, coordinate their work, provide guidance, and support their development.

Benefits

• Early and competitive equity in a rapidly growing startup
• Platinum-level healthcare, vision, dental, and life insurance covered 100% for you
• Partial dependent coverage available
• 401k matching at 4% (no vesting)
• Unlimited PTO and sick time
• Catered lunch 3x per week
• Education assistance up to $5,250 per year
• Relocation assistance available
• 17 paid holidays (including a “winter break” Dec. 24-Jan. 1)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed