Propulsion Test Technician — Spacecraft Systems

Cantos Ventures; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Apex

Company-paid health/dental/vision

PTO 15–20 days + holidays

401(k) with match

Parental leave

Daily catered lunch

Playa Vista office

In‑person collaboration with coworkers

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’ll set up, execute, and tear down tests, operate test stands and vacuum chambers, and work closely with engineers to keep propulsion testing safe, reliable, and moving at production rate.

Requirements include a 3+ year track record in a test, lab, or maintenance environment, strong mechanical aptitude, ability to read

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years of hands‑on testing, lab, manufacturing, maintenance, or similar environment.
• Able to read and follow technical procedures, schematics, and work instructions.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Safety‑first mindset around pressurized/high‑voltage systems.
• Able to work with engineers in a fast‑paced hands‑on setting.

Responsibilities

• Set up, execute, and tear down propulsion tests on thrusters, flow controllers, PPUs, and related hardware.
• Operate test stands, vacuum chambers, pumping systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition equipment.
• Install and remove test articles with interfaces and sensors.
• Perform pre‑test checkouts for correct configuration and safety.
• Monitor hardware and instrumentation during tests and document results.
• Perform routine maintenance on test stands, chambers, pumps, and GSE.
• Troubleshoot equipment with engineers to minimize downtime.
• Maintain test logs and maintenance history.
• Provide feedback to improve safety and efficiency.

Skills

Hands-on testing

Reading schematics

Troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Safety-first mindset

Team collaboration

Electrical cabling

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree or technical training

Tools

Power tools

Torque tools

Fasteners

Tubing & fittings

Electrical cabling

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’ll set up, execute, and tear down tests, operate test stands and vacuum chambers, and work closely with engineers to keep propulsion testing safe, reliable, and moving at production rate.

Requirements include a 3+ year track record in a test, lab, or maintenance environment, strong mechanical aptitude, ability to read