Join PDS Tech as a Senior Test Technician and Test & EvaluationJob 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 RoleIn 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 ResponsibilitiesTest Setup, Execution & SupportSet 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 & EquipmentStrongly 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 & InstrumentationFabricate 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 & ImprovementWork 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 & ExperienceHigh 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 OpportunityPlay 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.
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.