Senior Actuator Technician – Flight Hardware & Testing

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 94,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Wellbeing programs

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Learning opportunities

Rideshare

Childcare assistance

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California seeks an Actuator Technician to perform assembly, integration, and testing for flight and prototype actuators within the actuator lab. You will read engineering drawings and electrical diagrams, follow procedures, and select precision tools while maintaining strict cleanroom and safety standards.

The role involves bonding thermal components, electrical integration, and conducting functional/environmental tests with instrumentation.

Qualifications

• Interpret technical documentation and schematics, including electrical diagrams, equipment manuals, and assembly/test procedures.
• Hands-on experience with electromechanical systems: assembly, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and fault isolation for actuator development.
• Basic soldering and electronic cable fabrication skills.
• Familiarity with clean room protocols and flight-hardware handling policies.
• Strong organizational skills to document inventory and workflow.

Responsibilities

• Assemble flight and prototype actuators and integrate into higher-level subsystems.
• Read and follow drawings, procedures, and diagrams; select proper tools for precision work.
• Adhere to cleanroom, contamination-control, and safety requirements.
• Bond thermal hardware components and perform surface prep and adhesives mixing.
• Conduct electrical integration, harness mates/demates, cable routing, and safe-to-mate checks.
• Operate thermal chambers and actuator testing equipment; support TVAC and vibration tests.
• Troubleshoot issues, develop tooling, and improve assembly processes.
• Mentor less-experienced technicians and maintain organized lab workspaces.

Skills

Electromechanical assembly

Read engineering drawings

Troubleshooting

Bonding and adhesive skills

Electrical integration

Instrument/equipment operation

Cleanroom procedures

Soldering basics

Education

High School diploma with aerospace experience

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CAD platforms

Actuator test instrumentation

Orbital/thermal chamber equipment

Job description

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California seeks an Actuator Technician to perform assembly, integration, and testing for flight and prototype actuators within the actuator lab. You will read engineering drawings and electrical diagrams, follow procedures, and select precision tools while maintaining strict cleanroom and safety standards.

The role involves bonding thermal components, electrical integration, and conducting functional/environmental tests with instrumentation.