Lead R&D Technician

Next Matter; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Equity

Four weeks paid time off

Company paid holidays

100% employee health coverage

90% dental and vision coverage

401k plan

Paid parental leave

Snacks & beverages

Monthly fitness stipend

Onsite EV charging

Job summary

Next Matter is seeking a Lead R&D Technician in Torrance, California to join our manufacturing team. This role involves leading a team of technicians and supporting the design, setup, and execution of tests on hypersonic missile components. Candidates must have a high school diploma, extensive mechanical experience, and a strong eye for detail. We offer competitive benefits including equity, paid time off, and comprehensive health insurance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on mechanical experience in aerospace/automotive testing.
• Experience with complex mechanical systems maintenance/troubleshooting.
• Experience in fabrication/assembly of electromechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of technicians in fabrication and assembly.
• Supervise test fixture assembly and instrumentation.
• Capture and log test data accurately using software tools.
• Perform routine maintenance on test setups.

Skills

Mechanical experience

Attention to detail

Team leadership

Data analysis

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Associate degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Teamcenter

NX

Job description

Why Castelion, Why Now

Castelion is moving incredibly fast to develop and deliver advanced defense systems at a time when execution matters more than ever. We believe focus and technical excellence are decisive advantages - and we are building a team that can deliver real capability, not just concepts.

This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage, where your work will directly shape critical systems, influence major technical decisions, and have immediate, real-world impact.

Lead R&D Technician

Castelion is seeking a detail-oriented and highly motivated Lead R&D Technician to join our manufacturing team. In this role, you will support the design, setup, execution, and documentation of tests on hypersonic missile components and systems during the development phase. You will work closely with design and manufacturing engineering teams to ensure products meet rigorous performance, reliability, and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of technicians responsible for fabrication, assembly, and modification of test articles (precision drilling, bonding, harnessing)
• Supervise assembly and configuration of test fixtures, instrumentation, and equipment for development tests (mechanical and fluid assemblies, data and control systems.)
• Participate in hazardous test operations - including configuration, execution, troubleshooting and monitoring/data recording.
• Accurately capture and log test data using appropriate software and hardware tools.
• Perform initial data reviews to identify anomalies or deviations from expected results.
• Provide test data summaries and reports to engineering teams.
• Maintain, calibrate, configure, monitor, test, troubleshoot, install, and repair instrumentation, process controls, data acquisition systems, and electrical systems
• Perform routine maintenance on test setups and ensure compliance with calibration standards.
• Collaborate with engineers to refine test plans and procedures.
• Maintain detailed and accurate test logs, records, and documentation for traceability and audits.
• Support root cause analysis and continuous improvement efforts.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 5+ years of hands on mechanical experience in one or more of the following: testing of aerospace/automotive systems, maintenance/troubleshooting complex mechanical systems, and/or fabrication/assembly of complex electromechanical systems.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Associate degree in engineering, mechanical, electrical systems, or other related field
• Computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office, Teamcenter, NX
• Experience reading/interpreting planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches
• Experience with precision measuring instruments/equipment
• Experience with aerospace or military-grade harness fabrication
• Knowledge of data acquisition and controls concepts, hardware, and interfacing (National Instruments PXI / cSeries and PLC)
• Experience with analog and digital instrumentation (load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges, encoders, deflection gauges, and accelerometers)
• Experience with rigging, cranes, and lift operations

Benefits And Perks

• Employee Equity: Meaningful equity for all full-time employees - share value has increased 150x in three years
• Personal Time Off: Four (4) weeks of paid time off to unplug, reset, and come back sharp—velocity matters, burnout doesn't
• Company Paid Holidays: Ten (10) company paid holidays
• Medical: We offer plans at 100% employee covered and 80% of dependent coverage
• Dental & Vision: We cover 90% employees and 80% for dependents to ensure you and your family have access to quality preventive and ongoing care
• FSA/HSA: To support long-term health and financial resilience, we offer FSA and HSA options that allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical and dependent care expenses
• Retirement: 401k plan offered to support long term financial growth along side high-impact, high-velocity work
• Paid Parental Leave: We support growing families with meaningful time to bond and recover. Birthing parents are eligible for up to 10 weeks of paid leave, while non-birthing parents may take up to 4 weeks of paid leave. This time can be used for pre-natal care, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical needs—ensuring every parent has the support they need during this important life moment.8-weeks of paid parental leave for all parents. Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees
• Meals & Catering: Frequently catered lunches and team meals, plus company-covered meals when extra time or effort is required
• Snacks & Beverages: Fully stocked kitchen with unlimited snacks and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day
• Performance & Fitness: $100 monthly fitness stipend to support peak performance and health, both inside and outside of work
• EV Charging: Onsite electric vehicle charging available for employees

Physical Demands

• Must be able to stand or stoop for up to 8 hours per day
• Must be able to carry up to 50lbs unassisted

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

This position may require access to classified information or restricted U.S. Government sites, systems, or information, as determined by the Company and/or applicable U.S. Government requirements. If the position is so designated, your employment in the role may be contingent upon your ability to obtain and maintain the required U.S. Government security clearance or other government authorization, and to satisfy any citizenship or other eligibility requirements imposed by applicable law, regulation, executive order, or government contract requirements. You will be notified if and when such requirements apply. Failure to obtain or maintain any required clearance or authorization may result in reassignment, leave, or separation from employment, consistent with business needs and applicable law.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Employment with Castelion is governed on the basis of competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.