TEST PAD TECHNICIAN

altusts; Ridgecrest (CA); On-site; USD 4,313,265 - 5,303,760; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Retirement plan

Disability insurance

Education assistance

Flexible paid leave

Job summary

Altus Technology Solutions seeks a Test Pad Technician to perform non-routine, high-variance mechanical work on aerospace test articles at China Lake, CA. Candidates should have 5+ years hands-on experience troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems, plus gear for interpreting engineering drawings and plans.

The role requires a valid California driver's license, U.S. DoD SECRET clearance, and the ability to work at heights or in confined spaces.

Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent. Formal military, college, trade school, or equivalent on-the-job training commensurate with duties.
• Minimum of five years hands‑on experience in performing troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Proficient in the use of precision hand tools and measuring instruments. Must have ability to interpret engineering drawings, test plans, and program requirements.
• Must be capable working from heights or confined spaces, utilizing appropriate fall protection equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and operational and safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) as required.
• Possess a valid California driver’s license. U.S. Citizenship and a current U.S. DoD SECRET Security Clearance required for hire and to be maintained throughout employment. All candidates will be required to pass background screening to include SSN, Driver Record, and Criminal Background Investigation.

Responsibilities

• As a live fire test team member, assist in the performance of live fire test & evaluation (LFT&E) of aircraft survivability technology as directed by Test Team Leads.
• Perform modifications to existing aircraft systems and test simulator assemblies or construct new systems to achieve test simulation requirements. Monitor and control specialized simulation or test support systems during LFT&E.
• Fabricate unconventional, one-of-a-kind items, systems, or apparatus in support of experimental project test articles. Plan and conduct work from blueprints, drawings, test plans, and aircraft or system technical publications.
• Perform qualification, acceptance, and pre-test operational checks on project test articles such as aerospace vehicles, propulsion, fuel, and drive systems for technical adequacy prior to test conduction. Perform qualification, acceptance, and calibration tests on standard and unique test support equipment.
• Perform maintenance and repair of aircraft systems on test article simulators and test aircraft. Modify sub-systems configuration, including pneumatic, hydraulic, lubrication, drive, and fuel systems while maintaining system operational capability.
• Other tasking, as required to support contract and customer requirements.

Skills

Hands-on troubleshooting

Mechanical systems

Hydraulic systems

Pneumatic systems

Reading engineering drawings

Precision hand tools

Measuring instruments

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift (MHE)

Engine test equipment

Job description

TEST PAD TECHNICIAN

Location: China Lake, CA

Remote Type: No Remote

Clearance: SECRET Security Clearance (Must have interim clearance before start date)

Education: High school diploma or GED

Years of Experience: 5

Salary: $31.31 – $38.50

Description

At Altus, we’re proud to provide a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and your growth matters. Our size gives us both stability and flexibility, offering opportunities for development while supporting a healthy work-life balance.

If you thrive in high-impact environments and want to be part of a skilled team, we’d love to have you on board!

Altus provides test & evaluation, maintenance and repair of facilities, and operation services required to implement the Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) programs under the cognizance of the Aircraft Vulnerability Division for Naval Air Warfare Center-Weapons Division China Lake, CA.

The WSL Test Pad Technician is responsible for performing non-routine assignments of substantial variety and complexity on project test articles such as aerospace vehicles, propulsion systems, engine control systems, fuel systems, drive systems, and supporting sub-systems for aircraft, test facilities, and laboratory simulation systems. We are seeking an individual who can apply their advanced mechanical experience to add value and make a strong impact supporting the NAWCWD/WSL mission.

Primary Responsibilities

As a live fire test team member, assist in the performance of live fire test & evaluation (LFT&E) of aircraft survivability technology as directed by Test Team Leads.

Perform modifications to existing aircraft systems and test simulator assemblies or construct new systems to achieve test simulation requirements. Monitor and control specialized simulation or test support systems during LFT&E.

Fabricate unconventional, one-of-a-kind items, systems, or apparatus in support of experimental project test articles. Plan and conduct work from blueprints, drawings, test plans, and aircraft or system technical publications.

Perform qualification, acceptance, and pre-test operational checks on project test articles such as aerospace vehicles, propulsion, fuel, and drive systems for technical adequacy prior to test conduction. Perform qualification, acceptance, and calibration tests on standard and unique test support equipment.

Perform maintenance and repair of aircraft systems on test article simulators and test aircraft. Modify sub-systems configuration, including pneumatic, hydraulic, lubrication, drive, and fuel systems while maintaining system operational capability.

Other tasking, as required to support contract and customer requirements.

Qualifications

High school education or equivalent. Formal military, college, trade school, or equivalent on-the-job training commensurate with duties.

Minimum of five years hands‑on experience in performing troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.

Proficient in the use of precision hand tools and measuring instruments. Must have ability to interpret engineering drawings, test plans, and program requirements.

Must be capable working from heights or confined spaces, utilizing appropriate fall protection equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and operational and safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) as required.

Possess a valid California driver’s license. U.S. Citizenship and a current U.S. DoD SECRET Security Clearance required for hire and to be maintained throughout employment. All candidates will be required to pass background screening to include SSN, Driver Record, and Criminal Background Investigation.

Specialized Experience

Familiarity with test procedures and safety in an RDT&E environment, with modern military aircraft and weapons systems. Experience working at a government site/facility.

Capable of developing modifications for aircraft and weapons systems such that the program requirements are satisfied without jeopardizing safety of operations.

Must possess ability to work tactfully with professional engineers, technicians, and management staff on all levels of effort.

Prior material handling equipment (forklift) operator experience or ability to complete MHE training and certification within 90 days of start.

Work Conditions

Conditions will vary. Capable of working outdoors primarily in temperatures ranging from 0–120 degrees. The position will include regular standing, bending, reaching, sitting, walking, and lifting. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds. Overtime is a requirement for this position. May also require occasional work from elevated platforms while using a fall protection harness.

About Altus

Since 2004, Altus Technology Solutions has been committed to providing top-quality, performance‑driven services to both government and commercial clients. As an ISO 9001:2015 Certified firm, Altus integrates proven solutions with industry-leading practices to tackle mission‑critical challenges.

Learn more at www.Altusts.com.

Pay and Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement savings plan with employer contributions

Income protection through short- and long‑term disability insurance

Education assistance for professional growth

Flexible paid leave and career advancement opportunities

Commitment to Equal Opportunity Employment

Equal Opportunity Statement

Altus Technology Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws. As a federal contractor, we are committed to hiring and retaining a workforce that includes individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please contact [e-mail].

Protecting Your Information

We never request payment or personal banking details during the hiring process. If you encounter suspicious emails, contact us at [e-mail] immediately.

Join Us!

Apply today and be part of something bigger.