Manufacturing Technician

PDS Tech, Inc.; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Life insurance

Short-term disability

401K plan

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Commuter benefits

Job summary

PDS Tech Commercial in Goleta, CA is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Technician to support fabrication, assembly, testing, and production of spacecraft components. You will work with engineers to handle precision materials and equipment for satellites and space systems.

The role emphasizes reading drawings, setting up prototypes, and ensuring quality with attention to safety and documentation. Overtime and alternate shifts may be required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus at least 2 years of additional education/experience.
• Ability to read, write, understand, and follow English instructions.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings/schematics.
• Familiarity with common hand tools and torque.
• Work with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds and stand for varying periods.
• Willingness to work overtime or alternate shifts.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate and assemble mechanical components and aerospace assemblies.
• Set up and test prototype units and subassemblies.
• Analyze test data and modify procedures to meet specs.
• Collaborate with engineers on development and fabrication.
• Assist with equipment setup and calibration.
• Perform rework and quality testing on parts and assemblies.
• Collect and evaluate operating data to adjust products or equipment.
• Develop methods to improve manufacturing processes.
• Handle fragile composite materials safely.
• Document adhesive usage, traceability, and out-time controls.
• Read and interpret drawings, schematics, and shop docs.
• Record and communicate production data across departments.
• Follow hand-tools, torque, quality, and safety practices.
• Maintain a clean, safe manufacturing environment.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Read engineering drawings

Hand tools

Torque understanding

Microsoft Office

Ability to lift 40 lbs

Overtime flexibility

Proactive problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED + 2 years related experience

Tools

DC power supplies

Digital multimeters

Source meters

Job description

Manufacturing Technician | Build the Components That Power the Future of Space

Location: Goleta, CA 93117
Job Type: Full-Time | Contract-Possible long term or temp to perm for right candidate
Schedule: Monday–Friday | Flexibility for overtime and alternate shifts based on manufacturing needs
Pay Rate: $38.96 per hour

Turn Your Mechanical Skills into Mission-Critical Work

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking a skilled and motivated Manufacturing Technician to join our team in Goleta, CA, partnering witha leader in the aviation, aerospace, and space industries.

This is an exciting opportunity to put your mechanical skills to work supporting the fabrication, assembly, testing, and production of sophisticated spacecraft components. You'll collaborate with engineers, work with precision materials and equipment, and contribute to products including spacecraft structures, solar arrays, antenna reflectors, and other critical satellite systems.

If you're mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, and driven by quality, this is your opportunity to help build technology designed to perform beyond our atmosphere.

What You'll Do

As a Manufacturing Technician, you'll support manufacturing operations from fabrication and assembly through testing and final production. Your responsibilities will include:

• Fabricate and assemble mechanical components and larger aerospace assemblies.

• Set up and test prototype units and subassemblies under operational conditions.

• Analyze test data and recommend modifications to components or testing procedures to meet specifications.

• Work alongside mechanical engineers on the development, testing, and fabrication of mechanical and electromechanical designs.

• Assist engineers with equipment setup and calibration.

• Perform rework and quality testing on parts, components, subassemblies, and final assemblies.

• Use specialized programs to collect and evaluate operating data and make appropriate adjustments to products, instruments, or equipment.

• Assist in developing methods and procedures to improve or control manufacturing processes.

• Safely handle and manage fragile composite materials.

• Accurately document adhesive usage, traceability, pot life, and out-time controls.

• Read and interpret manufacturing and engineering drawings, schematics, and shop planning documentation.

• Record and communicate production data while collaborating with employees across departments.

• Follow proper hand-tool, torque, quality, and safety practices.

• Help maintain a clean, safe, and organized manufacturing environment.

Required Qualifications

We're looking for candidates with:

• High school diploma or GED plus at least 2 years of additional education and/or related experience.

• Ability to read, write, understand, and follow instructions written in English.

• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude.

• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings and/or schematics.

• Familiarity with proper and safe use of common hand tools, including wrenches and screwdrivers.

• Familiarity with the concept and application of torque.

• Ability to navigate and work within Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 40 pounds.

• Ability to remain on your feet for varying periods throughout the workday.

• Flexibility to work overtime, adjusted hours, or different shifts based on manufacturing schedules.

• A self-starting attitude with adaptability, initiative, and a strong commitment to excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

You'll stand out if you also bring:

• Proficiency using electronic test equipment, including DC power supplies, digital multimeters, and source meters.

• Proficiency with basic shop arithmetic.

• Experience or familiarity with ISO requirements, standards, and compliance.

• Experience operating or working around cranes, rigging, forklifts, or similar manufacturing equipment.

• J-STD soldering certification or related soldering experience.

• Previous aerospace, composite, mechanical assembly, or precision manufacturing experience.

Why Join Us?

At PDS Tech Commercial, we connect talented professionals with opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking aviation, aerospace, and advanced technology programs.

This opportunity gives you the chance to:

• Earn a competitive rate of $38.96 per hour.

• Gain hands‑on experience supporting the production of sophisticated spacecraft components.

• Work closely with engineers while expanding your manufacturing and technical expertise.

• Develop experience in mechanical assembly, composites, testing, calibration, prototyping, and quality control.

• Contribute to products supporting advanced satellite and space applications.

• Work in a culture where precision, safety, teamwork, innovation, and quality are essential.

• Strengthen your aerospace manufacturing experience while working on products where attention to detail truly matters.

Your craftsmanship can help support technology built to operate in some of the most challenging environments imaginable.

Ready to Build Something Extraordinary?

If you're a hands‑on problem solver with strong mechanical abilities and a passion for precision manufacturing, PDS Tech Commercial wants to hear from you.

This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.

Pay Details: $38.96 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.