Manufacturing Technician | Build Hardware That Powers the Future of Space

Location: Goleta, CA 93117

Job Type: Full-Time, 12-Month Contract

Schedule: Monday-Friday | 9/80 Schedule

Pay Rate: $31.61 per hour

Build What’s Next in Space

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the aviation and aerospace industry to hire a skilled Manufacturing Technician in Goleta, California.

This is an exciting opportunity to put your mechanical skills to work supporting the fabrication, assembly, testing, and production of sophisticated spacecraft components. You’ll work alongside engineers and manufacturing professionals to help produce hardware used in demanding space applications.

If you’re mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, comfortable working from engineering drawings, and motivated by high-quality, hands-on work, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

As a Manufacturing Technician, you will support manufacturing operations from initial fabrication and assembly through testing, rework, and final production. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Fabricating and assembling mechanical components used in larger assemblies.
  
• Setting up and testing prototype units and subassemblies under operational conditions.
  
• Analyzing test data and recommending modifications to components or test procedures to achieve desired specifications.
  
• Working closely with engineers on equipment set-up, calibration, testing, experiments, and manufacturing activities.
  
• Supporting the development, testing, and fabrication of mechanical and electromechanical assemblies and components.
  
• Performing rework and quality testing on parts, components, subassemblies, and final assemblies.
  
• Using sophisticated programs to collect and evaluate operating data and make adjustments to products, instruments, or equipment.
  
• Assisting with the development of methods and procedures to control or improve manufacturing processes.
  
• Safely handling and managing fragile composite materials.
  
• Tracking adhesive usage, traceability, pot life, and out-time requirements.
  
• Reading and interpreting manufacturing and engineering drawings, schematics, and shop planning documentation.
  
• Recording and reporting manufacturing data while collaborating with employees across departments.
  
• Using hand tools safely and correctly while applying mechanical concepts such as torque.
  
• Helping maintain a clean, organized, and safe manufacturing environment.
  

Required Qualifications

To be considered, candidates must have:

• High school diploma or GED plus at least 2 years of additional education and/or related experience.
  
• Demonstrated mechanical ability.
  
• Ability to read, write, understand, and follow instructions written in English.
  
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings and/or schematics.
  
• Familiarity with proper hand-tool techniques and safety, including the use of wrenches, screwdrivers, and similar tools.
  
• Familiarity with the concept and application of torque.
  
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 40 pounds.
  
• Ability to remain on your feet for varying periods throughout the workday.
  
• Ability to work flexible hours, overtime, and different shifts when required by manufacturing schedules.
  
• A self-starting attitude, adaptability, initiative, and a strong commitment to excellence.
  

Preferred Qualifications

You’ll stand out if you also have:

• Experience using electronic test equipment, including DC power supplies, digital multimeters, and source meters.
  
• Proficiency with basic shop arithmetic.
  
• Knowledge of ISO requirements, standards, and compliance practices.
  
• Experience with cranes, rigging, forklifts, or similar manufacturing equipment.
  
• Soldering experience.
  
• J-STD certification.
  

Why Join Us?

This is more than a manufacturing position. It’s an opportunity to contribute your skills to sophisticated aerospace and space technology while building valuable experience in a highly technical manufacturing environment.

When you join PDS Tech Commercial, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Work on meaningful aerospace technology: Support the production of complex spacecraft components designed for demanding missions.
  
• Collaborate with technical experts: Work alongside engineers, technicians, and manufacturing professionals while expanding your hands-on expertise.
  
• Strengthen your career: Develop experience with advanced manufacturing processes, testing, composite materials, engineering documentation, and quality standards.
  
• Enjoy a 9/80 schedule: Take advantage of a work schedule designed to provide additional flexibility.
  
• Earn competitive pay: Receive $31.61 per hour for your skills and experience.
  
• Be part of a quality-driven culture: Join an environment where precision, teamwork, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement matter.
  

Ready to Help Build the Future of Space?

Bring your mechanical expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to quality to a role where the work you do can contribute to technology designed to operate far beyond Earth.

Apply today to join PDS Tech Commercial as a Manufacturing Technician in Goleta, CA, and take the next step in your aerospace manufacturing career.

Pay: $31.61/hour

Location: Goleta, CA 93117

Contract: 12 months | Full-time

Schedule: Monday-Friday | 9/80



This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.                                               

 

• 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.