Join PDS Tech as a Senior Test Technician and Test & Evaluation

Job Title :Sr Test Technician 
Job Type: Contract, Full time (12 months)
Location: Irvine, CA
Schedule: 1st 6am-2:30pm
Pay Rate: $40 - $45

Help Validate the Systems That Make Human Spaceflight Possible

Are you passionate about hands?on testing, precision engineering, and being part of something extraordinary? As a Senior Test Technician in the Test & Evaluation Department, you’ll play a critical role in building, operating, and improving test systems that verify spacecraft components, subsystems, and full systems—often as the final step before flight installation.

This is an exciting opportunity to apply your technical expertise, problem?solving skills, and leadership mindset in a highly collaborative, fast?paced aerospace test environment.

 About the Role

In this role, you will support ground?breaking aerospace programs by assembling and operating complex test equipment, fabricating instrumentation, collecting high?quality data, and partnering closely with engineers to improve test systems and processes. Your work will directly impact flight safety, system integrity, and mission success.

You’ll contribute not only through execution, but also by influencing test design, supporting continuous improvement, and mentoring others on the team.

 Key Responsibilities

Test Setup, Execution & Support

• Set up, fabricate, calibrate, and operate test equipment for laboratory, component, assembly, subsystem, and vehicle?level testing.

• Prepare and conduct composite mechanical property testing, including bonding and machining of test coupons.

• Collect, analyze, and report test data clearly to engineers and managers.

Test Systems & Equipment

• Strongly influence the design of test systems, fixtures, and setups.

• Operate—and oversee the operation of—test assets including:

  • Environmental, altitude, and thermal vacuum chambers

  • Vibration tables

  • Materials and custom test equipment

• Monitor and control maintenance of test assets to ensure readiness and reliability.

Fabrication & Instrumentation

• Fabricate test article instrumentation and electro?mechanical assemblies.

• Build fluid systems, wire harnesses, and test equipment assemblies.

• Instrument test assets using strain gauges, load cells, pressure transducers, and related hardware.

Collaboration & Improvement

• Work closely with engineers and technicians across production and R&D test projects.

• Provide feedback to engineering to improve test systems, processes, and usability.

• Follow team direction while collaborating across disciplines to meet shared goals.

• Perform additional duties as needed to support broader program and organizational objectives.

 Required Skills & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• 3+ years of experience testing components, subsystems, or systems (or equivalent industry experience)

• Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and digital models

• Experience with:

  • Cable harness fabrication from wiring diagrams and parts lists

  • Mechanical assembly from 3D models and 2D drawings

  • Test instrumentation (strain gauges, load cells, pressure transducers)

• Hands?on experience operating:

  • Saws, lathes, mills, and mechanical tools

  • Soldering equipment, DMMs, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and wire?processing tools

• Structural and/or systems testing experience

• Experience operating tension/compression test machines and associated software

• Familiarity with shop?floor manufacturing and inspection technologies

• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills

• Proven ability to troubleshoot, solve problems, and adapt quickly

• Comfortable following digital work instructions using computer applications

• Experience in an Agile or fast?paced development environment

• Strong safety mindset, particularly around energized systems, hazardous materials, and tooling

 Why You’ll Love This Opportunity

• Play a hands?on role in spaceflight system verification

• Influence how test systems are designed—not just how they’re used

• Work alongside engineers, technicians, and leaders passionate about innovation

• Be trusted with critical, high?visibility testing activities

• Join a culture that values accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork

Ready to Help Shape the Future of Spaceflight?

If you thrive in complex technical environments and want your work to directly impact human space exploration, apply today and bring your experience, curiosity, and drive to a mission that truly matters.

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