TPS Technician I

inversionspace; California (MO); On-site; USD 39,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Inversion seeks a TPS Technician to support fabrication, assembly, and repair of thermal protection system hardware for the Arc hypersonic reentry vehicle. You will work with engineers and production teams to turn released designs into flight-ready components.

The role emphasizes hands-on execution, precise workmanship, and strict process discipline. Requires 1+ years in manufacturing or aerospace assembly, and ability to lift 50 lbs, with in-office work in Playa Vista, CA.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• 1+ years hands-on experience in manufacturing, aerospace assembly, or related hardware environment.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and pride in quality work.
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions, drawings, and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support fabrication, application, assembly, inspection, and repair of TPS hardware for Arc hypersonic vehicle.
• Work with engineers and production staff to translate designs into flight-ready hardware.
• Prepare vehicle surfaces and TPS components; perform bonding and assembly operations.
• Support fit checks, inspections, and document work per procedures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Craftsmanship

Manual precision

Following instructions

Documentation discipline

Lifting 50 lbs

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Vacuum systems

Ovens

Curing equipment

M mixers

Sanders

Inspection equipment

Job description

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.

What You'll Do

As a TPS Technician at Inversion, you will support the fabrication, application, assembly, inspection, and repair of thermal protection system (TPS) hardware for the Arc hypersonic reentry vehicle. You will work directly with engineers, technicians, and production personnel to turn released TPS designs and processes into flight-ready hardware. This is a hands‑on role focused on precise execution, workmanship, and process discipline. You will prepare vehicle surfaces and TPS components, perform bonding and assembly operations, support fit checks and inspections, and document work in accordance with released procedures.

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

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Typically 1+ years of hands‑on experience in manufacturing, composites, aerospace assembly, automotive bodywork, fabrication, bonding, coatings, or a related hardware environment.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, strong craftsmanship, and pride in producing high‑quality work.
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions, drawings, inspection requirements, and safety procedures.
• Experience using common hand tools, measuring tools, and shop equipment.
• Ability to perform repetitive, precise manual work while maintaining consistent quality.
• Ability to work with adhesives, sealants, coatings, and cleaning materials while following applicable PPE and safety requirements.
• Strong organization and documentation discipline.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. unassisted and work in various positions, including standing, kneeling, bending, crawling, and overhead work.
• Ability to work non‑standard shifts, overtime, and weekends as required to support vehicle builds, test campaigns, and flight operations.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with thermal protection systems, high‑temperature insulation, ceramic materials, ablative materials, composites, or bonded aerospace structures.
• Experience with aerospace cleaning, surface preparation, masking, bonding, curing, or controlled‑material handling.
• Familiarity with work orders, drawings, bills of materials, inventory systems, and configuration‑controlled manufacturing environments.
• Experience operating shop equipment such as vacuum systems, ovens, curing equipment, mixers, sanders, cutting tools, or inspection equipment.
• Familiarity with aerospace quality practices, foreign object debris prevention, non‑conformance documentation, and traceability requirements.
• Experience supporting spacecraft, launch vehicle, aircraft, UAV, motorsport, or other high‑performance hardware builds.
• Prior experience in a fast‑paced startup, prototype, R&D, or high‑mix/low‑volume production environment.
• Ability to provide practical feedback on work instructions, tooling, material handling, and build processes to improve safety, quality, and execution.

Pay

The California hourly pay for this role is currently $28 - $37. 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 rega