Senior R&D Technician

The Structures Company•Gardena, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior R&D Technician fabricates, assembles, integrates, and tests prototype systems and hardware for aerospace and defense technologies. The role interprets engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions to ensure accurate builds and assemblies, and supports system validation, troubleshooting, and qualification testing. The technician assists with development, setup, and operation of test stands; performs precision machining, welding, and fabrication; and works with systems or equipment such as pneumatic, hydraulic, fluid, gas, or high-voltage systems. The role also identifies opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, tooling, and fabrication techniques; develops and documents manufacturing, assembly, and inspection procedures; supports rapid design iteration with engineering teams; and sources equipment, tools, and materials for development efforts. This is a long-term contract role in Gardena, California, with a stated pay rate of $55–$85 per hour. The candidate must be a U.S. Person as defined under ITAR regulations.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR regulations.
At least 5 years of experience in a high-performance manufacturing, aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or R&D environment.
Hands-on experience in several of the following areas: fabrication, precision machining, welding, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, test stand development, product testing, and validation.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
Experience working with prototype hardware and rapid development cycles.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for prototype systems and hardware.
Experience supporting test stand setup and operation.
Ability to work independently with minimal oversight in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in aerospace, defense, military, nuclear, or other highly regulated industries.
Knowledge of aerospace-grade manufacturing and quality standards, materials science, advanced manufacturing techniques, precision inspection equipment, and quality control processes.

Responsibilities

Fabricate, assemble, integrate, and test prototype systems and hardware.
Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions to ensure accurate builds and assemblies.
Support system validation, troubleshooting, and qualification testing.
Assist with test stand development, setup, and operation.
Perform precision machining, welding, and fabrication for prototype hardware.
Work with pneumatic, hydraulic, fluid, gas, or high-voltage systems and equipment.
Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, tooling, and fabrication techniques.
Develop and document manufacturing, assembly, and inspection procedures.
Support rapid design iteration and product development with engineering teams.
Source equipment, tools, and materials required for development efforts.