Technician, Spaceflight Hardware

Austincc; United States; On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) seeks an Entry-Level to Mid-Level Technician to join the Civil and Commercial Space Division in the United States. The role focuses on fabricating, assembling, and testing space flight hardware while supporting government and commercial missions.

You will supervise students, operate lab equipment (e.g., TVAC chambers), and collaborate with QA, machine shop, and contamination control to deliver reliable hardware on schedule.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience with hand tools and measuring equipment.
• Fabrication, assembly, machining, or other hands-on experience.
• Ability to read and create mechanical drawings.
• Basic experience with CAD software (NX, Solid Edge, or SolidWorks).
• Ability to work graveyard shifts and weekends for testing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Oversee and/or perform fabrication, assembly, inspection, and testing of space flight hardware prototypes and related equipment.
• Supervise students, including hiring, training, and coordinating the team.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment including TVAC chambers.
• Improve processes and documentation.
• Coordinate with QA, machine shop, contamination control, and other disciplines to deliver hardware on schedule.

Skills

Ownership

Team collaboration

Independent work

Clear communication

Problem solving

Detail oriented

Education

High school diploma

Tools

NX

Solid Edge

SolidWorks

Job description

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Job ID: 9476 Date Posted: September 15, 2026

Join the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) team, where you'll contribute to groundbreaking innovations! We are seeking an Entry-Level to Mid-Level Technician to join the Civil and Commercial Space Division.

The Civil & Commercial Space Division is at the forefront of scientific research and space exploration. We equip major Government and commercial missions with calibrated state-of-the-art sensors and satellites. We also provide world-class AI&T technologies and mission management. Our projects include challenges across planetary science, Earth observation, heliophysics, and astrophysics. Be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in space and contributes to monumental scientific discoveries.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for overseeing and/or performing fabrication, assembly, inspection, and testing of space flight hardware prototypes, engineering units, flight units, and ground support equipment (GSE)


• Supervises students, including hiring, training, and coordinating the team


• Operates and maintains lab equipment (including Thermal Vacuum Chambers (TVAC) chambers)


• Improves processes and documentation


• Interfaces with other disciplines (QA, machine shop, contamination control, etc.) to deliver spaceflight hardware on schedule

Required Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or other U.S. person


• High school diploma or equivalent


• Hands-on experience with hand tools and measuring equipment


• Fabrication, assembly, machining, or other professional hands-on experience


• Ability to read and create mechanical drawings


• Basic experience with CAD software (e.g. NX, Solid Edge, or SolidWorks)


• Ability to work graveyard shifts and weekends when certain testing requires it


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• 5-10 years of relevant experience, a relevant certification and 4-9 years of relevant experience, or an AS (or higher) and 3-8 years of relevant experience


• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting electronic and mechanical test equipment


• Experience with aerospace fabrication processes and quality systems


• 3D printing experience


• Soldering experience


• Experience with NX/Teamcenter

Necessary Skills

• Ability to see projects through from start to finish


• Self-motivated, dependable, and detail oriented


• Ability to work independently without supervision once trained


• Ability to work closely as a team with students and professionals


• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues


• Ability to take ownership for tasks and take responsibility for outcomes


• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions


• Ability to identify and work through problems that may arise


• Ability to work with other team members for completion of required tasks

Salary Range

• $ 52,000- $78,000


• Salary commensurate on education and relevant experience

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the ad reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all U.S. locations. Specific salary details for a candidate’s preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during hiring.

Why Join SDL?

SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 7 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.