Senior Propulsion R&D Technician

<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>Advanced Reentry Technologies</strong></p> <p><strong>Who We Are:<br></strong></p> <p>Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pioneering advanced reentry technology to enable next-generation capabilities from space. By combining high-performance materials, precision aerodynamics, and mission-driven autonomy, Inversion is transforming reentry into an operational capability for an entirely new class of missions.</p> <p>The company’s highly maneuverable reentry spacecraft, Arc, is designed for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and other national security missions that require precise, controlled flight through the atmosphere. Arc creates an entirely new transportation domain, unlocking unprecedented speed and global reach.</p> <p>Headquartered in Los Angeles, Inversion designs, manufactures, and integrates its spacecraft under one roof, enabling the company to move rapidly from concept to flight. The company is backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, with customers across the U.S. government and commercial space industry.</p></div><p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Position Overview:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">The Propulsion and Energetics team create the hardware that facilitates high maneuverability on-orbit and in the upper atmosphere. As a Senior Propulsion R&D Technician, you will be responsible for enabling rapid production and testing of propulsion hardware by ensuring high quality at every step of the development process. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">You will collaborate with propulsion engineers to design and execute the procedures for metrology, metallography, inspection, assembly, integration, and testing necessary to demonstrate a design or technology is capable of our goals. This role is multidisciplinary and necessitates troubleshooting and autonomous operations with different kinds of systems. The ideal candidate is a quick learner, hands-on, flexible, has a good attitude, works well in a fast-paced environment, and is skilled with test equipment, instrumentation, and mechanical systems.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Key Responsibilities:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Collaborate with propulsion engineers to aid the development of new hardware.</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Build and test propulsion hardware such as components, actuators, and engines.</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Perform pneumatic and hydraulic pressure testing of various propulsion components.</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Perform metallography including preparation (grind, polish, etch, mount), inspection (microscope, XRF/SEM/CT analysis), and testing (tensile, hardness) with applicable devices.</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Execute experiments, analyze data, and develop processes for optimizing additive manufacturing.</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Maintain cleanliness and organization in the shop.</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Required Qualifications:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto">High school diploma or equivalent certificate.</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Typically 5+ years of experience working on aerospace or propulsion systems, or pressurized devices.</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Typically 2+ years of experience working on additively manufactured hardware development.</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience working in an R&D environment.</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Positive attitude, eagerness to learn and grow, and team-oriented attitude.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance. </span></strong></li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Desired Qualifications:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with additive manufacturing and/or metallography.</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with test coupons preparation including cutting, mounting, polishing, etching.</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with Optical Microscopy and/or XRF/SEM/CT analysis.</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Demonstrated experience working with engineers to improve designs or processes.</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Prior experience working in startups and/or small independent teams.</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Additional Requirements:</sp