Propulsion Test Technician — Hands-on Space Hardware

Front Door Defense; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Apex

Company-paid healthcare

PTO 15–20 days

401(k) matching

Parental leave

Free daily lunch

Office in Playa Vista

Impactful work

Job summary

Apex Space is seeking a Propulsion Test Technician to support hands-on testing of spacecraft propulsion hardware, including thrusters, flow controllers, and PPUs. You will set up, execute, and tear down tests, operate test stands and vacuum chambers, and maintain test equipment in collaboration with engineers.

Responsibilities include preparing test articles, software data acquisition, logging, and ensuring safety across high-pressure and vacuum systems to sustain production-rate testing as Apex

Qualifications

• 3+ years in a hands-on test, lab, manufacturing, maintenance, or similar technical environment.
• Ability to read and follow procedures, engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with troubleshooting of hardware and equipment.
• Detail-oriented with accurate test and maintenance logs/documentation.
• Safety-first mindset around pressurized, high-voltage, and vacuum systems.
• U.S. Person per ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) as defined by eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Set up, execute, and tear down propulsion tests on thrusters, flow controllers, PPUs, and related hardware.
• Operate propulsion test stands, vacuum chambers, pumping systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition equipment.
• Install and remove test articles with fluid connections, sensors, and electrical interfaces.
• Perform pre-test checkouts to verify hardware configuration and safety.
• Monitor hardware, instrumentation, and facility systems during testing.
• Maintain test logs, configuration records, and equipment maintenance history.
• Troubleshoot test equipment with engineers to minimize downtime.
• Ensure safety compliance for vacuum, high-voltage, and pressurized systems.

Skills

Hand tools use

Electrical cabling

Data acquisition

Reading procedures

Mechanical aptitude

Safety mindset

Teamwork

Troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree (relevant)

Technical/vocational training

Tools

Test instrumentation

Vacuum systems

Pumps and GSE

Job description

Apex Space is seeking a Propulsion Test Technician to support hands-on testing of spacecraft propulsion hardware, including thrusters, flow controllers, and PPUs. You will set up, execute, and tear down tests, operate test stands and vacuum chambers, and maintain test equipment in collaboration with engineers.

Responsibilities include preparing test articles, software data acquisition, logging, and ensuring safety across high-pressure and vacuum systems to sustain production-rate testing as Apex