Test Operator – Gravity Offloader

Amentum; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Educational reimbursement

Parental leave

Paid time off and holidays

Employee stock purchase plan

Tax-saving options

Disability and life insurance

Pet insurance

Job summary

Amentum is hiring a Test Operator – Gravity Offloader for NASA-related testing at Johnson Space Center partnerships. You will join a collaborative team to support reduced gravity simulator testing, operate test rigs, and ensure subject safety while following detailed checklists and procedures.

Responsibilities include preparing test areas, performing system startup/shutdown, calibrations, and maintaining equipment. Strong teamwork, communication, and safety focus are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering with 2–10 years of experience
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge of engineering principles gained through varied work experience
• General computer and typing skills
• Following set procedures and written/verbal instructions
• The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Stand­ing/sitting/kneeling/crouching
• Daily work in a warehouse or lab environment
• Exposure to uneven ground levels, high or low elevations, confined areas, various noise levels caused by test environment, power tools, machinery, equipment
• Can-do mindset
• Critical thinking
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks

Responsibilities

• Work in a team environment and assist in setup, reconfiguration, and clean-up of test area
• Startup and shutdown the system following checklists and monitor KPIs for safety
• Operate standard equipment and shop tools and perform maintenance on mechanical systems
• Prepare safety and test documentation and test readiness materials
• Adhere to SOPs and safety protocols and maintain a clean work area

Skills

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Critical thinking

Prioritize tasks

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

PPE knowledge

Power tools

Calibration

Job description

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!

We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA’s pursuits in deep space exploration. As NASA’s largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Test Operator – Gravity Offloader to join the JETSII Contract with Nexus, a teammate company.

The Test Operator will provide operational support and become a certified operator for reduced gravity simulator robots, to perform human-in-the-loop testing. The test operator is part of a greater team so the ability to work and communicate well with others is required. Typical tasks include:

• Work in a team environment.
• Assist in the setup, reconfiguration, and clean-up of test area
• Startup and shutdown the system following the respective checklists
• Monitor key performance indicators during tests to ensure test subject’s safety
• Be proficient with using a computer and following a computerized checklist
• Learn and perform emergency procedures when required
• Be vigilant for events or conditions that require immediate action to stop the test
• Operate standard equipment and/or instruments including hand-held power tools and manual (i.e. non-CNC) machine shop tools (i.e. lathes, drill press, mills, band saw, etc.)
• Proficiency with hand-tools (i.e. screw drivers, ratchets, wrenches, rivet tools, etc.)
• Perform maintenance and operation of mechanical systems in assigned work areas, including research, documentation, acquiring parts, repairing, and calibration of devices and systems
• Determine and develop methods, procedures, and laboratory apparatus required to fulfill assignments and achieve prescribed objectives
• Prepare and update safety documentation, such as Hazard Analyses
• Prepare written materials for Test Readiness Reviews
• Adhere to written and standardized operating procedures, policies, and protocols for use of equipment
• Practice machine shop safety protocols
• Have an ability to visualize and solve practical problems
• Assist in preparation of test procedures, test preparation sheets, discrepancy report disposition, unscheduled maintenance order reports, operational servicing reports, breadboard or developmental equipment sketches, and test setup or test article jig design
• Maintain calibration for facility equipment
• Work at elevated locations using systems/equipment such as ladders, man-lifts, scaffolding other work platforms.
• Maintain equipment as necessary, including preventive maintenance and repairs or replacement of parts.
• Maintain work area in a neat, orderly, and safe condition
• Identify and correct potential hazards and/or unsafe acts/conditions at the work site

Qualifications – External

Requisition Qualifications:

This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate’s experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and a minimum of 2-5 years of experience in the field or in a related area.
• Engineering degree with 2-10 years of experience
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Specialized and extensive knowledge of engineering principles gained through varied work experience in field of specialty
• General computer and typing skills
• Great communication with other team members
• Following set procedures and written/verbal instructions
• The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Standing/sitting/kneeling/crouching
• Daily work in a warehouse or lab environment
• Exposure to uneven ground levels, high or low elevations, confined areas, various noise levels caused by test environment, power tools, machinery, equipment, etc.
• Can-do mindset
• Critical thinking
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks

Requisition Preferences:

• CPR training
• Ability to lift up to 45 pounds from the ground level, waist level and overhead
• Carrying up to 25 pounds for 20 yards
• Knowledge and experience with electrical systems
• Knowledge and experience with pressure systems

Why Join Our Team?

In addition to exciting career opportunities, we also have:

• Excellent personal and professional career growth
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
• Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
• Much, much more!

For more information on our partnership with NASA at Johnson Space Center (JSC), please visit www.wehavespaceforyou.com

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position.
• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.

Essential Functions

Work Environment

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.

Physical Requirements

Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).

Equipment and Machines

Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).

Attendance

Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.

Other Essential Functions

Professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

JETS #JETSII

Compensation Details:

EN2-EN3

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good‑faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax‑saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara‑O’Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

08/30/2026 – Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low‑income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.