Build the future of spaceflight with hands?on materials testing at the frontier of innovation.

Are you an experienced materials testing professional with a passion for precision, quality, and pushing engineering boundaries? This is an exciting opportunity to play a critical role in validating next?generation composite components used in advanced space vehicles. Your expertise will directly impact the safety, performance, and reliability of groundbreaking aerospace programs.

As a Material Test Technician in the Test & Evaluation Department, you will focus on testing composite components and assemblies to ensure they meet rigorous standards before being approved for flight. You will apply deep technical expertise in materials testing, collaborate with engineers and leadership, mentor junior technicians, and continuously improve testing processes in a fast?moving, high?performance environment.

• Execute tensile, torsion, compression, flexure, and shear testing using universal test equipment.
• Collect, analyze, and report test data to engineers, managers, and executive leadership.
• Interpret engineering drawings and follow Manufacturing Work Instructions (MWIs) to ensure accuracy and quality.

• Monitor, maintain, and calibrate test assets including:
  • Universal test machines
  • Thermal and humidity chambers
  • Environmental and thermal vacuum chambers
  • Vibration tables and custom test equipment
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and support continuous operational readiness.Fabrication & Assembly Support
  • Occasionally trim, machine, and drill composite parts and test coupons to tight tolerances.
  • Perform adhesive bonding of structural joints using paste adhesives and mechanical fasteners.
  Process Improvement & Collaboration
  • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance quality and efficiency.
  • Work collaboratively with engineers and cross?functional teams to meet program objectives.
  • Provide mentorship and training to junior technicians.
  • Support additional tasks as needed to meet organizational and program goals.

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   Required Skills & Experience
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • 7+ years of experience in composite materials testing.
  • Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and/or digital models.
  • Experience with strain gauge bonding on composite test coupons.
  • Familiarity with precision measurement tools (e.g., optical microscope, FTIR, DGA).
  • Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, and composite machining equipment:
    • Saws, grinders, drills, lathes, mills, and similar tools
  • Knowledge of shop?floor manufacturing and inspection technologies.
  • Strong technical documentation and report?writing skills.
  • Comfort following digital work instructions and using industrial computer applications.
  • Hands?on mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Experience working in an Agile environment.

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   Preferred Skills
  • Experience with composite lay?up, vacuum bagging, and oven/autoclave curing.
  • Structural bonding experience with adhesives and mechanical fastening systems.
  • Familiarity with Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence).
  • Proven leadership in process improvement initiatives.
  • Strong safety?first mentality, cleanliness, and tool control practices.

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   Why You’ll Love This Role
  • Contribute directly to human spaceflight innovation
  • Work hands?on with advanced composite materials and testing systems
  • Collaborate with top engineering talent in a highly technical environment
  • Mentor others and influence best practices across the organization
  • Be part of a mission?driven culture focused on safety, innovation, and excellence

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   Ready to Make an Impact?

  If you thrive in hands?on testing environments and want your work to directly shape the future of aerospace technology, apply today and bring your expertise to where it truly matters.

  
  
  Pay Details: $40.00 to $45.00 per hour
  
  Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
  
  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
  
  Military connected talent encouraged to apply
  
  To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
  
  The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
  
  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
  
  
  

  Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.