Development Technician – Sheet Metal & Flight Hardware Fabrication
Bay Area, California (Onsite Required)
Hands-On Rocket Builds | Prototype to Launch | Real Flight Hardware
We’re working with one of the most innovative space companies in the U.S, focused on building a new class of small, mobile launch vehicles. Their goal is rapid deployment, low-cost access to space, and full-stack engineering that moves fast.
They’re looking for a Development Technician to join their rocket vehicle team and help fabricate critical hardware for their next-generation launch system. This is a hands-on build role – no assembly lines, no repetitive work. You’ll be bending sheet metal, assembling structures, and supporting test campaigns for actual flight parts.
You’ll work side-by-side with engineers and be the go-to person when something needs to be built, fixed, or improved.
Your Role
- Fabricate complex parts using brakes, rollers, shears, and hand tools
- Form, bend, rivet, and weld aerospace-grade sheet metal for launch systems
- Build test rigs, support structures, and mechanical assemblies from scratch
- Read and interpret technical drawings and CAD files (no design work, but CAD nav skills are a plus)
- Provide feedback on designs to improve manufacturability and build efficiency
- Support testing setups, fluid systems, and hands-on integration of flight hardware
- Work in confined spaces, rocket tanks, and high-precision environments
✅ What You Bring
- Strong hands-on experience with sheet metal fabrication and custom part builds
- Familiarity with tools like press brakes, riveters, manual mills, and TIG/MIG welders
- Comfort working from technical drawings and navigating CAD for part references
- A builder mindset you take pride in quality, accuracy, and craftsmanship
- 2+ years experience in aerospace, motorsport, marine, or similar industries
- Willingness to work non-standard hours when needed during flight campaigns
⭐ Nice to Have
- Experience working on rockets, aircraft, or racing vehicles
- Knowledge of fluid fittings (AN, ORB, Swagelok) and safety wire installs
- Background with test environments including pressure, cryo, or structural systems
- Ability to suggest design changes based on fabrication expertise
- Composites, vacuum bagging, or welding certs are a bonus
Why This Role Is Unique
- Real Flight Builds: You’re building hardware that will launch not mockups or test beds
- You’ll Be Trusted: Engineers will lean on you to help figure out how things get made
- No Red Tape: You’ll be working in a small, high-ownership team with minimal layers
- Hands-On, All Day: This is a fabrication role, not a desk job and that’s exactly what they want
- Impact + Visibility: Report directly to the vehicle team lead and shape how things get built
This is a rare opportunity to do meaningful, hands-on fabrication at the cutting edge of space launch and have a direct impact on real missions heading to orbit.
Apply now or message me to learn more.
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Adam Slade