Senior TPS Technician

Inversionspace; California (MO); On-site; USD 46,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Inversionspace, located in California, is seeking a skilled TPS Technician to support the fabrication and refurbishment of thermal protection systems. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing and work closely with engineering teams in a fast-paced startup environment.

This position requires attention to detail and the ability to interpret technical drawings. The role is based in Playa Vista, CA, and involves in-office presence.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace manufacturing, composites, or TPS-related work.
• Experience working with ablative materials, adhesives, or high-temperature composites.
• Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship mindset.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, install, bond, and finish ablative TPS materials on flight hardware.
• Inspect TPS installations for defects and compliance to spec.
• Document work performed and track hardware through build processes.

Skills

hands-on experience in aerospace manufacturing

experience with ablative materials

familiarity with precision hand tools

ability to read technical drawings

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

We’re looking for a highly skilled and detail-oriented TPS Technician to support the fabrication, installation, and refurbishment of thermal protection systems across our flight hardware. This role is critical to ensuring the integrity and performance of heat shield systems, including ablative materials and reusable tile-based protection. You’ll work closely with engineering and integration teams to bring designs to life—owning the hands‑on execution of TPS processes in a fast‑paced startup environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Fabricate, install, bond, and finish ablative TPS materials on flight hardware
• Install, fit, trim, and repair ceramic and composite TPS tiles
• Perform surface prep including sanding, cleaning, masking, and priming for TPS application
• Execute bonding processes (adhesives, curing cycles, vacuum bagging where applicable)
• Inspect TPS installations for defects, gaps, adhesion issues, and compliance to spec
• Conduct rework and repairs on damaged TPS systems
• Interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and process specs
• Collaborate with engineering to refine installation processes and improve manufacturability
• Maintain cleanroom or controlled environment standards where required
• Document work performed and track hardware through build processes

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in aerospace manufacturing, composites, or TPS‑related work
• Experience working with ablative materials, adhesives, or high‑temperature composites
• Familiarity with precision hand tools, measuring equipment, and shop processes
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and work instructions
• Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship mindset

Desired Qualifications

• Direct experience with thermal protection systems (tiles, blankets, or ablatives)
• Experience with bonding processes, including adhesive selection and cure cycles
• Background in aerospace, defense, or high-performance automotive manufacturing
• Experience working in cleanroom or controlled environments
• Familiarity with NDI/inspection methods for bonded systems

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive manual tasks
• Comfortable working with PPE, respirators, and safety equipment as required
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs

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

The California annual base salary for this role is currently $46 - $61. 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.