Assembly Technician - Aft End Hardware

Front Door Defense; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health insurance

Life insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Stoke Space in Kent, Washington is seeking an Assembly Technician for Aft End to join our mission-driven team building Nova, a fully reusable launch vehicle. You will perform hands-on integration of primary structure, propulsion, fluids, and avionics to form the vehicle's aft assembly.

You must read and interpret complex drawings, use precision tools, and collaborate with engineering to ensure quality and traceability.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in aerospace manufacturing, aviation maintenance, or rocket/jet engine assembly/test.
• Able to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and schematics.
• Proficiency with precision tools (calipers, micrometers) and calibrated hand tools (torque wrenches).

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on assembly and integration of rocket engines, structure, and subsystems onto the vehicle's aft end.
• Own and lead Aft build and integration from start to finish, including area layout, tooling, processes, scheduling and daily tasking.
• Install and torque flight-critical hardware according to drawings and work instructions.
• Execute precise alignments and measurements on large and small assemblies using calibrated tools.
• Support testing and leak checks of integrated propulsion systems.
• Collaborate with engineering to troubleshoot issues and contribute to process improvements.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment adhering to FOD/ESD standards.

Skills

Aerospace experience

Blueprints reading

Precision measurement

Troubleshooting

Team leadership

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Torque wrenches

3D CAD

Job description

Assembly Technician - Aft End

Lead aft-end rocket assembly project to deliver flight-ready propulsion and structural integration

Location: Kent, Washington

Compensation: $32 - 60 USD / hour

About The Role

Assembly Technician - Aft End

Kent, Washington

At Stoke, we believe a thriving space economy will enable a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we're building Nova, our fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle. Designed for daily flight, Nova tackles the core challenges of space transportation by reducing cost, increasing availability, and improving reliability. By radically lowering launch costs and increasing flight cadence, we're helping create a truly scalable space industry.

Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered to take ownership of their work. If you want to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, we'd love to have you join us.

Job Description

As an Assembly Technician for Aft-End, you are at the heart of building our reusable launch vehicle. You will be responsible for the hands-on integration of one of the most complex sections of the rocket - bringing together the primary structure, propulsion systems, fluid lines, and avionics to form the powerhouse of the vehicle. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, technical excellence, and a passion for building flight-critical hardware in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on assembly and integration of rocket engines, structure, and associated subsystems onto the vehicle's aft end.
• Own and lead AFT build and integration from beginning to end, including area layout, tooling, processes, scheduling and daily tasking of work.
• Install and torque flight-critical hardware, including fasteners, fluid lines, harnesses, and instrumentation, according to detailed engineering drawings and work instructions.
• Execute precision alignments, fit-checks, and measurements on large and small-scale assemblies using calibrated tools like torque wrenches, micrometers, and calipers.
• Conduct and support pressurized pneumatic/cryogenic testing, leak checks, and functional checkouts of integrated propulsion systems.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to troubleshoot integration issues, document non-conformances, and contribute to process improvements.
• Maintain a meticulously clean and organized work environment, adhering to all FOD (Foreign Object Debris), ESD, and cleanliness standards.
• Operate hand tools, power tools, and heavy equipment (cranes, forklifts) safely around flight hardware.
• Keep precise documentation of all assembly, integration, and test activities to ensure full traceability.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace manufacturing, aviation maintenance, complex mechanical assembly, or rocket/jet engine assembly and test.
• Proven ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and schematics.
• Demonstrated proficiency with precision measuring instruments (e.g., calipers, micrometers) and calibrated hand tools (e.g., torque wrenches).
• Strong mechanical aptitude with excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and a passion for organization
• Ability to motivate others, delegate effectively, and hold the team accountable to the highest standards of quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with launch vehicle assembly, integration, or testing.
• Experience working with cryogenic fluids (e.g., Liquid Oxygen, Methane) and high-pressure systems.
• Knowledge of pressure, temperature, and flow measurement devices.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and 5S principles.
• Experience with 3D CAD software (for model viewing) and/or ERP/MRP systems

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted and be comfortable working in confined spaces and at heights.

Benefits

• Equity – We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees.
• Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• 4 weeks' Paid Time Off
• Holidays – 10 days (including an end-of-year closure)
• Paid Family/Parental Leave
• On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)
• Dog friendly offices!

Compensation

Target Levels:

• Level 2 Range: $32.11 - $48.16
• Level 3 Range: $40.13 - $60.17

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis.

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you 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.

Equal Opportunity

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status. It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII. It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring.

Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company. Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re-verify authorization to work periodically.

Candidate Rights & Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or participate in the interview process, please contact [e-mail]. Requests will be handled in accordance with applicable laws. Please do not include medical or other confidential information in your initial request.

For more information about your rights, please refer to the 'Know Your Rights' notice here.

E-Verify

Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

For more information on the right to work, please refer to the poster here.