Senior Test Technician

Antares; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Antares in Torrance, CA, is seeking a Senior Test Technician to work alongside engineers on infrastructure for the R1 reactor. Responsibilities include building and maintaining test rigs, executing tests, and ensuring data quality.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of technical experience, hands-on skills in engineering and instrumentation, and be able to work safely with high-energy systems. Join us in a brand-new facility at the heart of Los Angeles' tech ecosystem, alongside innovative startups.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience as a test technician or similar technical role.
• Experience assembling mechanical systems and test fixtures.
• Ability to work safely around complex test setups.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, and maintain test rigs for R1 components.
• Install and route instrumentation and sensors.
• Execute tests and document results and observations.

Skills

Hands-on experience assembling mechanical systems

Instrumentation integration

Data acquisition systems

Mechanical aptitude

Ability to read engineering drawings

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Tools

Hand tools

Shop tools

Job description

About the Role

As a Senior Test Technician on the Antares team, you will work directly alongside Test Engineers to build, operate, instrument, and maintain test infrastructure for the R1 reactor. You will be responsible for assembling test stands, integrating sensors and data acquisition systems, wiring and plumbing test hardware, operating tests safely and accurately, and documenting results and issues.

This role is deeply hands-on. You will turn engineering concepts into physical test rigs, operate them during development and qualification testing, and feed back real-time observations to engineers to enable rapid iteration. You will be essential in ensuring data quality, test repeatability, and high operational uptime.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, and maintain test rigs, fixtures, and support equipment for R1 components and subsystems

• Install and route instrumentation including thermocouples, pressure transducers, strain gauges, flow meters, relays, solenoid valves, and electrical wiring

• Set up and operate data acquisition systems, sensors, and control hardware

• Execute tests following established procedures and document conditions, results, anomalies, and operator observations

• Support the Test Engineer in developing test setups, executing test campaigns, and improving procedures

• Fabricate brackets, mount points, plumbing, wiring harnesses, and mechanical components (hands‑on machining, hand tools, and light fabrication experience preferred)

• Maintain test areas, equipment, tools, and safety systems to ensure a clean and safe working environment

• Participate in troubleshooting of test stand issues including mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation problems

• Assist in root cause investigations by documenting failures, inspecting hardware, and gathering data for engineering review

• Maintain accurate records of test configurations, instrument calibrations, hardware changes, and run logs

• Support procurement, receiving, and organization of test components, sensors, and consumables

Basic Qualifications

• HS Diploma or GED

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience as a test technician, engineering technician, lab technician, or similar technical role

• Experience assembling mechanical systems, test fixtures, or prototype hardware

• Experience with instrumentation integration (thermocouples, pressure transducers, strain gauges, etc.)

• Familiarity with data acquisition systems and basic test software

• Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and work instructions

• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience with hand tools and shop tools

• Ability to work safely around high‑energy systems, heavy equipment, and complex test setups

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience building and operating test rigs in an R&D or prototype environment

• Experience with plumbing systems (tubing, valves, fittings, brazing, leak checking, etc.)

• Experience with electrical wiring, harness building, relays, and control panels

• Experience working with technicians and engineers to debug hardware and instrumentation

• Familiarity with inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, etc.)

• Experience using CAD or simple CAD viewers (for interpreting models and drawings)

• Experience working in a fast‑paced hardware development environment

• Welding, machining, or fabrication experience

• Python or general scripting familiarity

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

• Ability to lift 50 lbs

• Standing, climbing, bending, grasping, pulling, pushing, and carrying are required to perform job functions

Location

• We are located in Torrance, CA in a 322,000 square foot, brand new facility featuring large open spaces for team collaboration, R&D, and production, as well as easy access to the 405, 105, and 110 freeways. Our facility is in the heart of Los Angeles' vibrant emerging tech ecosystem alongside many other high growth startups and enterprises.

Equal Opportunity

Antares is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.