Propulsion Test Bench Technician

Startupvalleys; Valleyre; On-site; CHF 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

PAVE Space in Villeneuve, Switzerland is seeking a Propulsion Test Bench Technician to join the fast-moving team building the PAVE kick stage test stand. You will assemble, install, and modify mechanical systems for test benches and work hands-on on high‑pressure piping, reading drawings and maintaining records.

The role requires 4+ years in industrial equipment assembly, familiarity with high-pressure systems, and clear English or French communication.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of professional experience in industrial equipment assembly or 4 years of apprenticeship (CFC) in the field.
• Experience installing industrial equipment and high‑pressure piping systems (e.g., Swagelok). Welding knowledge a plus.
• Knowledge of torque standards, cleanliness protocols, and leak detection methods.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, install, and modify mechanical systems for test benches, including tubing, valves, fittings, regulators, manifolds, and fluid components.
• Assist with fabrication and light machining for custom brackets, supports, and integration hardware.
• Perform precision tube routing, bending, cutting, flaring, and installation for high pressure systems.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings and layouts.
• Maintain assembly records, tool lists and inventory.

Skills

English communication

French communication

Education

Apprenticeship / CFC in related field

Tools

Swagelok piping

High-pressure systems

Job description

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Propulsion Test Bench Technician

The position

Crew Test

Location Villeneuve, CH

Type of contract Full-time

Your role

The PAVE kick stage will be capable of transferring satellites of more than 4 tonnes from LEO or GTO to GEO in under 24 hours. One of our key projects is to build the test stand that will enable the development and testing of the rocket engine for our kick stage. To accelerate the assembly and commissioning of this test stand, we are seeking a Test Bench Technician to join this exciting project.

As a test bench technician, you will work hands‑on on the assembly of industrial equipment, installation of high‑pressure piping, and integration of mechanical systems. This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to critical infrastructure that will support rocket engine testing and play a tangible role in the development of a next‑generation in‑space vehicle.

This position requires a high level of ownership, adaptability, and the ability to deliver under tight timelines.

As part of a small, fast‑moving team, you will gain experience in industrial assembly, high‑pressure systems, and test site operations, while working closely with engineers and technicians who are shaping the future of in‑space propulsion.

You will own

• Assemble, install, and modify mechanical systems for test benches, including tubing, valves, fittings, regulators, manifolds, structural hardware, and fluid components.
• Assist with fabrication and light machining activities as needed for custom brackets, supports, and integration hardware.
• Perform precision tube routing, bending, cutting, flaring, and installation for high pressure systems.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings and layouts.
• Maintain assembly records, tool lists and inventory.

What we are looking for

• Minimum 4 years of professional experience as a polymécanicien, industrial equipment assembler, or equivalent work experience, and/or 4 years of apprenticeship (CFC) in the field.
• Proven experience in installing industrial equipment, assembling technical infrastructure, and assembling high‑pressure piping systems (e.g., Swagelok). Knowledge of welding (TIG, MIG, etc.) would be an asset.
• Knowledge of torque standards, cleanliness protocols, and leak detection methods.
• Familiarity with test site or industrial infrastructure environments.
• Clear and effective English or French communication skills (a good level of English is a strong plus).
• Experience in aerospace, automotive, robotics, or other high‑reliability industries.
• Basic electrical or instrumentation wiring experience for sensors and actuators.
• Knowledge of instrumentation calibration and data acquisition hardware installation.
• Experience with rapid prototyping and iterative development

You will fit if

• You thrive in fast‑paced, high‑intensity environments with ambitious timelines
• You take full ownership of your work and are accountable for outcomes
• You are comfortable working hands‑on in labs, production facilities, or test sites
• You adapt quickly and are willing to step outside your core discipline when needed
• You communicate clearly and collaborate effectively across teams
• You have a strong interest in space technology and advancing the state of the art
• If you’re ready to tackle this unique and exciting challenge and participate in the development of a next generation Orbital Transfer Vehicle, join us at PAVE Space.

We are a fully on-site company, and all roles require daily in‑person work at our office in Villeneuve (VD) - Switzerland

About this startup

PAVE Space

Founded 2026

Route d'Arvel 19, 1844 Villeneuve VD, Switzerland Directions