Senior Propulsion R&D Technician

Inversion Space Company; California; On-site; USD 65,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Inversion, based in the Los Angeles area, is seeking a Senior Propulsion R&D Technician to enable rapid production and testing of propulsion hardware. You will work with propulsion engineers to design and execute metrology, metallography, inspection, assembly, integration, and testing procedures to demonstrate capabilities.

The role requires troubleshooting, autonomous operations, and a hands-on approach with test equipment and mechanical systems in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with aerospace or propulsion systems help.
• Experience in an R&D environment is required.
• Hands-on with test equipment, instrumentation, and mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with propulsion engineers to aid development of new hardware.
• Build and test propulsion hardware such as components, actuators, and engines.
• Perform pneumatic and hydraulic pressure testing of propulsion components.
• Perform metallography including preparation, inspection, and testing with applicable devices.
• Execute experiments, analyze data, and develop processes for optimizing additive manufacturing.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the shop.

Skills

Test equipment

Aerospace experience

R&D environment

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Additive manufacturing

Metallography equipment

Job description

Advanced Reentry Technologies

Who We Are:

Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pioneering advanced reentry technology to enable next-generation capabilities from space. By combining high-performance materials, precision aerodynamics, and mission-driven autonomy, Inversion is transforming reentry into an operational capability for an entirely new class of missions.

The company’s highly maneuverable reentry spacecraft, Arc, is designed for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and other national security missions that require precise, controlled flight through the atmosphere. Arc creates an entirely new transportation domain, unlocking unprecedented speed and global reach.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Inversion designs, manufactures, and integrates its spacecraft under one roof, enabling the company to move rapidly from concept to flight. The company is backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, with customers across the U.S. government and commercial space industry.

Position Overview:

The Propulsion and Energetics team create the hardware that facilitates high maneuverability on-orbit and in the upper atmosphere. As a Senior Propulsion R&D Technician, you will be responsible for enabling rapid production and testing of propulsion hardware by ensuring high quality at every step of the development process.

You will collaborate with propulsion engineers to design and execute the procedures for metrology, metallography, inspection, assembly, integration, and testing necessary to demonstrate a design or technology is capable of our goals. This role is multidisciplinary and necessitates troubleshooting and autonomous operations with different kinds of systems. The ideal candidate is a quick learner, hands-on, flexible, has a good attitude, works well in a fast-paced environment, and is skilled with test equipment, instrumentation, and mechanical systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Collaborate with propulsion engineers to aid the development of new hardware.

Build and test propulsion hardware such as components, actuators, and engines.

Perform pneumatic and hydraulic pressure testing of various propulsion components.

Perform metallography including preparation (grind, polish, etch, mount), inspection (microscope, XRF/SEM/CT analysis), and testing (tensile, hardness) with applicable devices.

Execute experiments, analyze data, and develop processes for optimizing additive manufacturing.

Maintain cleanliness and organization in the shop.

Required Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent certificate.

Typically 5+ years of experience working on aerospace or propulsion systems, or pressurized devices.

Typically 2+ years of experience working on additively manufactured hardware development.

Experience working in an R&D environment.

Positive attitude, eagerness to learn and grow, and team-oriented attitude.

Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

Experience with additive manufacturing and/or metallography.

Experience with test coupons preparation including cutting, mounting, polishing, etching.

Experience with Optical Microscopy and/or XRF/SEM/CT analysis.

Demonstrated experience working with engineers to improve designs or processes.

Prior experience working in startups and/or small independent teams.

Additional Requirements:

Must be open to work either designated shift, overtime, and weekends.

Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.

Must be able to stand for extended periods – 8 hours minimum.

Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces.

Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.

The California hourly rate this role is currently $47.00 - $61.00. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.
ITAR Compliance:

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., 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. Learn more about the ITAR here .

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a US Job Applicant see the CCPA Privacy Policy Notice for further details.