Instrumentation Technician

Venusaero; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Stock options

Medical benefits including dental and vision

Unlimited PTO

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Venus Aerospace in Houston, TX is seeking an Instrumentation Technician to support high-speed flight testing by installing and calibrating critical systems. This hands-on role requires attention to detail and the ability to work with cutting-edge technology, ensuring safety and success in testing operations.

Candidates should have significant experience with various instrumentation tools and the ability to work under diverse conditions. This position offers competitive benefits including a flexible schedule and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience as a mechanic or technician.
• Experience with instrumentation such as thermocouples, strain gauges, or pressure transducers.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work at heights.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret schematics and engineering documents.
• Complete wiring for ground support equipment.
• Troubleshoot failures and resolve issues during launch operations.

Skills

Instrumentation experience

Electrical troubleshooting

Calibration skills

Mechanical skills

Problem-solving abilities

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in instrumentation or related field

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Multimeters

Power tools

Job description

About Venus Aerospace

Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high‑speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. We’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

The Role

In this role, you won’t just be supporting aerospace innovation—you’ll be directly enabling it. As an Instrumentation Technician, you will be on the front lines of testing and validating the systems that push the boundaries of high‑speed flight. You’ll own the installation, calibration, and maintenance of critical instrumentation that drives real‑time data collection across our test platforms. Your attention to detail, technical precision, and problem‑solving mindset will help ensure every test is safe, successful, and informative. This is an opportunity to work hands‑on with cutting‑edge technology, collaborate with engineers who are shaping the future, and make a measurable impact every day on the breakthroughs we achieve.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret planning documents, schematics, datasheets/manuals, drawings, blueprints, and engineering sketches
• Complete all required wiring for electrical ground support equipment within ground systems
• Work with launch engineers to troubleshoot failures and resolve issues arising from launch operations
• Diagnose, adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components in ground hardware, test equipment, and integration systems
• Lay out, assemble, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify wiring for electronics racks and junction boxes
• Fabricate and install parts and assemblies for launch environments using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments
• Perform maintenance across various roles, including vehicle integration, pad maintenance, site preventative maintenance, general facilities work, and other tasks required to support launch site operations
• Connect, test, and validate pressure transducers, thermocouples, and other sensor types
• Assemble and install connectors, pins, terminals, and lugs

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• At least 5 years of experience as a mechanic, technician, or construction professional
• Minimum of 4 years of experience working with instrumentation such as RTDs, thermocouples, strain gauges, load cells, displacement transducers, or pressure transducers
• Work schedule may change based on site operational demands, requiring flexibility
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. without assistance
• Position requires frequent lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying
• Must be able to work at heights, including using ladders
• Must be capable of working in confined spaces
• Regular exposure to harsh outdoor conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and ice
• Over 7 years of professional experience working with power tools
• More than 2 years of experience assembling and constructing electronic systems
• IPC-620 certification or familiarity with the associated standards
• Experience working in testing facilities and supporting test or launch campaigns
• Basic understanding of Wheatstone bridge principles, ability to apply Ohm’s law, and foundational knowledge of DC electronics
• Associate degree in instrumentation, control technology, electrical systems, or a related discipline
• Experience working in corrosive environments and applying appropriate mitigation methods
• Practical experience using oscilloscopes, multimeters, and performing soldering on wires and connectors
• Strong system‑level troubleshooting abilities with a logical approach to diagnosing and resolving instrumentation issues
• Knowledge of signal conditioning techniques for various sensors, including: Thermocouple types K, S, and E; Resistance weld and adhesive bond TC attachment methods; Thermocouple probes with thermowell sheaths; Cold junction compensation principles
• Experience with devices such as DC power supplies, DC‑DC converters, UPS systems, heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, lacing, and proper strain‑relief practices
• Working understanding of transducers, operational amplifiers, and measurement techniques for temperature, pressure, flow, displacement, vibration, and strain gauges; ability to define required data, create acquisition plans, set test parameters, and configure equipment accordingly
• Familiarity with multiple bus architectures (PXI/PXIe, cRIO, Serial, USB, etc.) and data communication technologies
• Proven ability to create detailed project plans including all tasks, milestones, and review points necessary for successful solution development and implementation
• Intermediate proficiency with Windows operating systems
• Intermediate skill level with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote)
• Understanding of data acquisition concepts, hardware, and integration of PXI / cRIO‑based systems

Location

On‑site in Houston, TX

Benefits

Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex‑Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities.

ITAR Requirements

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (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). You can learn more about ITAR.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call (281) 203‑0027. Email and phone number were created exclusively to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes not related to a disability will not receive a response. Messages will be returned within five business days.

Additional Information

For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page.