Structures Lab Technician
About The Position
The Structures Lab Technician will perform material characterization testing, set up and execute structural tests on development and flight hardware, fabricate Ground Support Equipment (GSE), build and assemble prototype structures and components, perform metal forming operations, and support production builds by troubleshooting fit, tolerance, and process issues. The role also involves installing strain gauges and load cells, and collecting and reducing strain and load data during testing. The data produced directly supports structural verification and flight readiness reviews, and the technician's work ensures test and production schedules stay on track and structural margins on flight hardware are protected. Careful documentation and traceability of test and build data are crucial for quality and safety standards.
Requirements
- Hands-on experience with metal forming, fabrication, or machining (sheet metal, tube, or structural components).
- Experience with mechanical or structural test setups — load frames, strain gauges, load cells, or data acquisition systems.
- Comfort reading engineering drawings and following documented test or build procedures.
- Organized, detail-oriented approach to data collection, documentation, and traceability.
- Strong communication skills to collaborate closely with test and design engineers.
- Willingness to learn new tools or equipment as needed.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in aerospace, spaceflight, or other technically complex hardware environments.
- Welding, composites layup, or CNC machining experience.
Responsibilities
- Perform material characterization testing (tensile, compression, hardness) on raw stock and test coupons.
- Set up and execute structural tests on development and flight hardware, including load frames, fixtures, and test stands.
- Fabricate Ground Support Equipment (GSE) — jigs, fixtures, and tooling used across test and production.
- Build and assemble development and flight prototype structures and components.
- Perform metal forming operations (bending, rolling, forming, light machining) to produce structural parts.
- Support production builds by troubleshooting fit, tolerance, and process issues on the shop floor.
- Install strain gauges and load cells, and collect and reduce strain and load data during testing.
- Produce test reports and material characterization data packages.
- Produce calibrated, ready-to-use GSE and test fixtures.
- Produce fabricated development and flight prototype hardware ready for integration.
- Produce strain and load datasets supporting structural verification and flight readiness.
Benefits
- Equity plan participation
- 401(k) plan with company matching
- Professional development stipend
- Flexible Time Off (PTO)
- Holiday breaks
- Two week long company winter breaks
- Paid leave to support a family member, bond with a new child, or manage own health needs
- Medical coverage
- Dental coverage
- Vision coverage
- HSA available
- Basic life insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
- Options to add extra coverage
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
