Vibration, Shock, and Environmental Test Technician

Location: United States, Onsite
Compensation: 40.00 to 55.00 USD per hour, plus benefits
Onsite role supporting environmental and qualification testing for space hardware

Darwin Space are partnered with an exciting space company who are developing advanced electric propulsion systems for satellites. They are expanding their Environmental Test Team with two Vibration, Shock, and Environmental Test Technicians who will support qualification and production testing of flight hardware.

Their Environmental Test Team ensures that satellite components can survive the harsh conditions of launch and space operations. They operate state of the art vibration, shock, thermal and environmental test facilities and work closely with engineering to validate hardware performance and reliability.

They are seeking hands on, detail oriented technicians with strong mechanical aptitude and experience operating electrodynamic shakers, environmental chambers and test instrumentation.

Role Overview

The Vibration, Shock, and Environmental Test Technician will support setup, execution and documentation of vibration, shock and environmental test campaigns on spacecraft propulsion hardware. You will install instrumentation, configure test equipment, operate shakers and environmental systems, gather data and support analysis.

This role requires strong attention to detail, a safety focused mindset and the ability to work efficiently in a fast paced engineering environment.

Key Responsibilities

Test Execution

• Set up and operate vibration test equipment including electrodynamic shakers, pneumatic systems and shock machines
• Program and operate vibration and environmental controllers for sine, random and shock profiles
• Conduct environmental tests including thermal, thermal vacuum and humidity testing

Instrumentation and Setup

• Install accelerometers, load cells, strain gauges and related sensors on test articles
• Assemble and calibrate data acquisition systems
• Install and troubleshoot test instrumentation and harnessing

Documentation and Analysis

• Record all test procedures, parameters and results with high accuracy
• Support engineers in analysing test data and investigating anomalies
• Prepare test reports and documentation packages for engineering review

Equipment and Lab Maintenance

• Perform routine calibration and maintenance of shakers, environmental chambers and instrumentation
• Assist in the design and buildout of new test equipment and ground support tools
• Adhere to strict safety, quality and FOD control requirements

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with engineers and technicians across multiple disciplines
• Support assembly, integration and test activities as required
• Communicate proactively to help maintain schedule and testing efficiency

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree in a technical field preferred
• Two or more years of hands on experience in vibration, shock or environmental testing
• Experience operating vibration controllers and electrodynamic shakers
• Familiarity with standards such as MIL STD 810 or NASA GEVS
• Ability to read technical drawings, schematics and documentation
• Proficiency in basic software tools including Excel and DAQ interfaces
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability
• Ability to perform physical tasks including lifting 35 pounds and standing for extended periods

Desired Multipliers

• Experience with thermal vacuum or burn in testing
• Experience with multimeters, oscilloscopes or other electrical diagnostic tools
• Experience in R&D or high volume production testing environments
• Experience operating cranes, forklifts or rigging equipment
• Basic soldering or harness fabrication skills

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly rate between 40.00 and 55.00 USD
• Full medical, dental and vision coverage
• PTO and paid holidays
• Growth opportunities within an innovative aerospace organisation