Precision Cleaner / Cleanroom Technician I

Socket.dev; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Health benefits package

Job summary

ExoTerra seeks an entry-level Precision Cleaner to join its production team, learning aerospace precision cleaning, passivation, and cleanliness verification in a controlled cleanroom.

You will develop foundational skills toward industry certifications, working under supervision to follow detailed work instructions and ensure adherence to quality standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Ability to learn and follow detailed procedures and work instructions.
• Strong commitment to quality, cleanliness, and process discipline.
• Ability to work in a team environment and receive feedback.
• Willingness to work with cleaning chemistries and follow safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior technicians with precision cleaning and passivation of aerospace hardware and components.
• Learn and perform ultrasonic cleaning operations following established procedures.
• Support passivation processes, including chemical treatment, rinse cycles, and controlled drying.
• Assist with cleanliness verification methods such as particle counts, NVR testing, and black light inspection.
• Follow cleanroom protocols including gowning, contamination control, and work practices for Class 100K / 10K / 1K environments.
• Learn to read and interpret work instructions, cleaning specifications, and customer requirements.
• Complete required training programs including ESD, cleanroom, FOD, safety, and chemical handling certifications.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with cleanroom and contamination control standards.
• Document cleaning activities, process parameters, and verification results under guidance to ensure traceability.
• Assist with material handling, staging, and preparation of hardware for cleaning and downstream assembly operations.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Procedure following

Quality mindset

Team player

Safety protocols

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or technical coursework

Tools

Ultrasonic cleaners

Cleanroom equipment

Job description

Company Overview

ExoTerra is a pioneering force in the new space economy, delivering our cutting-edge compact, flight-proven Halo Hall-effect thrusters and the revolutionary Iris Propulsion Module systems that power the next generation of satellites and deep-space missions. ExoTerra is redefining capabilities for small satellites and microsatellites, enabling longer missions, orbit optimization, deorbiting, and cost-efficient mobility in space. With a strong portfolio of propulsion module and satellite contracts, including major programs for the Space Development Agency (SDA) and defense customers, ExoTerra is at the forefront of American innovation in space propulsion.

Job Summary

We are seeking an entry-level Precision Cleaner / Cleanroom Technician to join our production team. The ideal candidate will be eager to learn aerospace precision cleaning, passivation, and cleanliness verification processes in a controlled cleanroom environment. This role provides an opportunity to develop foundational skills in contamination control and hardware preparation while working toward industry certifications. The technician will work under direct supervision, learning to perform cleaning operations, follow detailed work instructions, and develop expertise in our quality and cleanliness standards.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Assist senior technicians with precision cleaning and passivation of aerospace hardware and components.
• Learn and perform ultrasonic cleaning operations following established procedures.
• Support passivation processes, including chemical treatment, rinse cycles, and controlled drying.
• Assist with cleanliness verification methods such as particle counts, NVR (Non-Volatile Residue) testing, and black light inspection.
• Follow cleanroom protocols including proper gowning, contamination control, and work practices for Class 100K / 10K / 1K environments.
• Learn to read and interpret work instructions, cleaning specifications, and customer requirements.
• Complete required training programs including ESD, cleanroom, FOD, safety, and chemical handling certifications.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with cleanroom and contamination control standards.
• Document cleaning activities, process parameters, and verification results under guidance to ensure traceability.
• Assist with material handling, staging, and preparation of hardware for cleaning and downstream assembly operations.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• 0-2 years of manufacturing, cleaning, or related hands-on experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Ability to learn and follow detailed procedures and work instructions.
• Strong commitment to quality, cleanliness, and process discipline.
• Ability to work in a team environment and receive constructive feedback.
• Willingness to work with cleaning chemistries and follow safety protocols.

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Previous experience in precision cleaning, parts cleaning, or cleanroom operations.
• Familiarity with ultrasonic cleaners, passivation processes, or chemical handling.
• Exposure to cleanliness verification methods (particle counting, NVR, visual/black light inspection).
• Knowledge of cleanroom gowning and contamination control practices.
• Interest in aerospace or defense industries.
• Working toward or willing to obtain relevant certifications (ESD, cleanroom, chemical safety, etc.).
• Familiarity with aerospace or industry standards (IEST, MIL-STD, customer cleanliness specifications) a plus.
• Recent graduates from technical programs or military veterans with relevant training encouraged to apply.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree or technical coursework in a related field preferred.

(Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.)

Schedule

• 8-hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Full time
• Some overtime may be needed

Export Control / Compliance 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., a 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.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $22 – $28/hour

(Salary determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.)

ExoTerra offers a comprehensive total compensation package, including competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off (PTO), a comprehensive health benefits package, and various other benefits. When you join our team, you're not just an employee — you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.