Senior Propulsion R&D Technician

Kindredventures; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 134,674,176 - 174,789,888; Full time

Job summary

Inversion, based in Playa Vista, CA, seeks a Senior Propulsion R&D Technician to enable rapid production and testing of propulsion hardware. You will collaborate with propulsion engineers to design and execute metrology, metallography, inspection, assembly, integration, and testing for challenging on‑orbit and upper‑atmosphere projects.

This role is hands‑on, fast‑paced, and requires a quick learner with experience in R&D environments, test equipment, and mechanical systems. A U.S.

Qualifications

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.
• High school diploma or equivalent certificate.
• Typically 5+ years of experience in aerospace or propulsion systems, or pressurized devices.
• Typically 2+ years of experience with additively manufactured hardware development.
• Experience working in an R&D environment.
• Positive attitude, eagerness to learn and grow, and team-oriented attitude.

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 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

Clearance readiness

Teamwork

Hands-on

Mechanical aptitude

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Test equipment

Metallography tools

Inspection devices

Job description

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth

Who We Are:

Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space.

Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform — one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach.

Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds.

Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space-based defense and logistics.

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

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

Desired Qualifications

• Typically 9+ years of professional experience working on additive manufacturing hardware development
• 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 CCAA Privacy Policy Notice for further details.