Senior TPS Technician

jobs.frontdoordefense.com - Jobboard; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

jobs.frontdoordefense.com - Jobboard is seeking a Senior TPS Technician located in Playa Vista, California. This role involves supporting the fabrication and refurbishment of thermal protection systems in a fast-paced startup environment.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing and work closely with engineering teams to ensure the integrity of heat shield systems. The salary ranges from $46,000 to $61,000 per year based on qualifications.

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.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and work instructions.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, install, bond, and finish ablative TPS materials on flight hardware.
• Inspect TPS installations for defects, gaps, 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

Strong attention to detail

Tools

Precision hand tools

Measuring equipment

Job description

Location: Playa Vista, California, United States

Compensation: $46,000 - 61,000 USD / year

Job Tags: Hardware

Senior TPS Technician

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth

About The Role

Eras of humanity can often be defined by a dominant transportation mode - horse drawn chariots, ocean going boats, or aircraft. These were spurred by a small group of people rigorously focused on building technology to achieve faster access to more of the world. We seek to usher in a new era of humanity defined by universal access to the whole globe free of borders and the presence of a routine way from space to Earth. To do this, we are building highly maneuverable re‑entry vehicles that can loiter in orbit before precision landing back on Earth.

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 50 lbs

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.