Spacecraft Test Technician at AstroForge – Seal Beach, California

About the CompanyAt 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 DescriptionThis 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 RequirementsTo 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.