Actuator Technician – Flight Hardware Lab Lead

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Flexible schedule

Job summary

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California seeks an Actuator Technician in the Manufacturing, Packaging, and Test Services Section to assemble, test, and support flight and prototype actuators. The role emphasizes deep technical expertise, leadership, and mentoring less-experienced technicians.

You will read drawings, perform precise electromechanical assembly, ensure cleanroom and safety compliance, and contribute to process improvements.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a High School diploma with a minimum of 10 years of aerospace experience specializing in electromechanical assembly; or an Associate’s degree with a minimum of 6 years of related experience; or a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3 years of related experience.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation and schematics, including electrical diagrams, equipment manuals, and assembly/test procedures.
• Extensive hands-on experience with electromechanical systems, including assembly, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and fault isolation in support of actuator development.
• Basic soldering and electronic cable fabrication skills.
• Working knowledge of AC and DC motors, gearing, position sensors, braking systems, and related components.
• Experience performing precision mechanical assembly, including handling delicate and miniaturized components.
• Competency in surface preparation and bonding operations.
• Experience applying lubrication to actuator and mechanism components.
• Experience configuring and operating actuator test instrumentation and support equipment.
• Familiarity with clean room protocol and applicable policies for handling Flight Hardware.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to track, maintain, and accurately document inventory.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of basic Microsoft tools (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word).

Responsibilities

• Assemble flight and prototype actuators and support integration into higher-level subsystems.
• Read and follow engineering drawings, assembly procedures, and electrical diagrams; select appropriate tools for precision electromechanical work.
• Ensure strict adherence to flight‑hardware handling, contamination‑control practices, cleanroom protocols, and safety requirements.
• Bond thermal hardware components, including surface preparation and adhesive mixing.
• Support electrical integration activities, including harness mates/demates, cable routing, safe‑to‑mate checks, and basic signal‑path troubleshooting.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical system failures by determining root‑cause and corrective action.
• Operate thermal chambers and actuator testing equipment.
• Support functional and environmental testing (e.g., TVAC, vibe) including setup and monitoring of instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Troubleshoot integration issues and contribute to process improvements, including developing custom tooling for complex assembly tasks.
• Organize and maintain actuator lab (workstations, equipment, tools, etc.).
• Provide accurate labor estimates, identify schedule impacts, and collaborate with cognizant engineers on workflow planning and assembly processes.
• Mentor and support the development of less‑experienced technicians.

Skills

Electrical diagrams

Electromechanical systems

Soldering & cable fabrication

Motors, gearing, sensors knowledge

Mentoring/leadership

Microsoft Office

Education

High School diploma + 10 years aerospace experience

Associate’s degree + 6 years

Bachelor’s degree + 3 years

Tools

CAD platforms

Cryogenic shrink-fitting

Overhead cranes operation

Job description

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California seeks an Actuator Technician in the Manufacturing, Packaging, and Test Services Section to assemble, test, and support flight and prototype actuators. The role emphasizes deep technical expertise, leadership, and mentoring less-experienced technicians.

You will read drawings, perform precise electromechanical assembly, ensure cleanroom and safety compliance, and contribute to process improvements.