TPS Technician I

Inversion•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$28 - $37•Onsite

About The Position

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth Who We Are: Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space. Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform — one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach. Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds. Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space-based defense and logistics.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Typically 1+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing, composites, aerospace assembly, automotive bodywork, fabrication, bonding, coatings, or a related hardware environment.
Demonstrated attention to detail, strong craftsmanship, and pride in producing high-quality work.
Ability to follow detailed work instructions, drawings, inspection requirements, and safety procedures.
Experience using common hand tools, measuring tools, and shop equipment.
Ability to perform repetitive, precise manual work while maintaining consistent quality.
Ability to work with adhesives, sealants, coatings, and cleaning materials while following applicable PPE and safety requirements.
Strong organization and documentation discipline.
Ability to lift 50 lbs. unassisted and work in various positions, including standing, kneeling, bending, crawling, and overhead work.
Ability to work non-standard shifts, overtime, and weekends as required to support vehicle builds, test campaigns, and flight operations.
Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Nice To Haves

Experience with thermal protection systems, high-temperature insulation, ceramic materials, ablative materials, composites, or bonded aerospace structures.
Experience with aerospace cleaning, surface preparation, masking, bonding, curing, or controlled-material handling.
Familiarity with work orders, drawings, bills of materials, inventory systems, and configuration-controlled manufacturing environments.
Experience operating shop equipment such as vacuum systems, ovens, curing equipment, mixers, sanders, cutting tools, or inspection equipment.
Familiarity with aerospace quality practices, foreign object debris prevention, non-conformance documentation, and traceability requirements.
Experience supporting spacecraft, launch vehicle, aircraft, UAV, motorsport, or other high-performance hardware builds.
Prior experience in a fast-paced startup, prototype, R&D, or high-mix/low-volume production environment.
Ability to provide practical feedback on work instructions, tooling, material handling, and build processes to improve safety, quality, and execution.

Responsibilities

Support the fabrication, application, assembly, inspection, and repair of thermal protection system (TPS) hardware for the Arc hypersonic reentry vehicle.
Work directly with engineers, technicians, and production personnel to turn released TPS designs and processes into flight-ready hardware.
Prepare vehicle surfaces and TPS components.
Perform bonding and assembly operations.
Support fit checks and inspections.
Document work in accordance with released procedures.