Spacecraft Test Technician
full-time•Seal Beach•$0k - $0k
Summary
About this role
About the Company
At AstroForge, our mission is to make space resources accessible on Earth. We mine asteroids to extract valuable minerals in space at a lower cost and smaller carbon footprint than current terrestrial mining methods. Along the way, we seek to leverage the technologies we build to provide additional value across other domains. We offer a unique opportunity to join an exciting team looking to expand humanity’s capabilities in space.
Job Description
This role is at the heart of ensuring mission success. As a Spacecraft Test Technician, you will be responsible for subjecting flight hardware to the harsh realities of space before it ever leaves the ground. You will operate specialized environmental test equipment and qualify space flight hardware for launch.
The ideal candidate is a disciplined, hands-on professional who understands the "why" behind environmental testing and possesses the situational awareness to pause when a process doesn't feel right.
Responsibilities
- Environmental Test Operations: Set up and operate Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) chambers, thermal cycle ovens, and electro-dynamic vibration tables (shakers).
- Test Article Integration: Perform the physical installation of satellites or subsystems onto test fixtures, ensuring proper alignment and adherence to procedures.
- Instrumentation: Apply sensors to the test article, including thermocouples, accelerometers, and strain gauges. Manage complex cable routing to ensure data integrity during extreme conditions.
- Functional Testing: Execute a variety of electrical, mechanical, and software-based functional tests to verify the health of the system throughout the environmental campaign.
- Documentation & Procedure: Strictly follow detailed Test Procedures. Maintain accurate test logs and contribute to "as-built" documentation.
Requirements
- Technical Familiarity: A solid understanding of the space environment (vacuum, extreme thermal gradients, and launch vibration) and why we test for them.
- Hands-on Aptitude: Experience with high-vacuum systems, liquid nitrogen handling, or data acquisition systems is highly preferred.
- Procedural Discipline: The ability to follow complex, multi-step instructions without taking shortcuts.
- Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills; must be able to articulate technical anomalies to engineering teams.
- Safety Mindset: A "safety-first" approach to high-value flight hardware and high-energy test equipment.
Benefits
- 100% paid medical, dental, and life insurance coverage
- Vision and FSA benefits available
- 3 weeks of PTO + 1 week of sick time
- 10 paid Holidays
- Retirement savings plan – 401(k), with company match
- Equity on the ground floor of a startup
Salary
$35-45 per hour
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
What you'll do
- The Spacecraft Test Technician will set up and operate environmental test equipment to ensure flight hardware is qualified for launch. Responsibilities include performing tests, managing instrumentation, and maintaining documentation.
About AstroForge
FoundersMatt Gialich Matt is an experienced engineering leader with over a decade of leading high-performing engineering teams. At Virgin Orbit, he was responsible for building and hiring all aspects of Avionics and led the flight software and GNC teams during his tenure. After Virgin, he joined Bird scooters as their Director of Vehicle Software and led that team through the development of the Bird 2 and 3 vehicles.AboutAstroForge is a deep space asteroid mining company based in Huntington Beach, California. The company was founded by Matt Gialich and Jose Acain, who have over a decade of experience working in aerospace at NASA, SpaceX, and Virgin Orbit. AstroForge plans to tap into the unlimited amount of resources that exist in space utilizing our small exploration and mining satellites capable of recovering large amounts of rare earth metals per mission.TechAstroForge is creating cubesats capable of reaching deep space orbits and plans to deploy this technology for asteroid mining. With its modular design, it can be adapted to fit other payloads and mission profiles offering a highly flexible, low-cost satellite.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does AstroForge pay for a Spacecraft Test Technician?
AstroForge offers a competitive compensation package for the Spacecraft Test Technician role. The salary range is USD 0k - 0k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.
What does a Spacecraft Test Technician do at AstroForge?
As a Spacecraft Test Technician at AstroForge, you will: the Spacecraft Test Technician will set up and operate environmental test equipment to ensure flight hardware is qualified for launch. Responsibilities include performing tests, managing instrumentation, and maintaining documentation..
Is the Spacecraft Test Technician position at AstroForge remote?
The Spacecraft Test Technician position at AstroForge is based in Seal Beach, California, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Spacecraft Test Technician position at AstroForge?
You can apply for the Spacecraft Test Technician position at AstroForgedirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.