Space Hardware Production Technician; Development and Fabrication Tec

What You Will Do

The ISR‑5 Space Instrument Realization Group seeks a Development and Fabrication Technician to join our Integration and Test (I&T) team. The ideal candidate will be a highly collaborative and creative problem‑solver, able to build a wide range of complex electromechanical instruments and systems. This position will support the Electromagnetic Pulse Sensor (EMP) project team in the Space‑based Nuclear Detonation Detection (SNDD) program by developing, designing, and fabricating parts, fixtures, and assemblies used in hardware critical to national security.

The EMP project is a fast‑moving, team‑oriented environment that balances production of current‑generation treaty verification hardware with research and development of future designs. The role interacts regularly with project, government, and commercial partners and is often the first point of contact for hardware fabrication.

• Assemble and test complex electromechanical systems and perform formal requirements verifications
• Fabricate mechanical components and fixtures with CNC machines, mills, lathes, laser etchers, 3D printers, and other shop equipment
• Collaborate and partner with other team members on technical research and data gathering for engineering analysis
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and understand and implement GD&T
• Participate in the design process for electromechanical subsystems or assemblies within the EMP instrument
• Apply knowledge of analytical and/or scientific software, computer‑aided design (CAD) and/or CAD/CAM software
• Author, execute, and troubleshoot detailed test procedures for subassemblies and integrated instrument‑level testing
• Help diagnose anomalies, failures, or malfunctions, replace defective components, and perform basic troubleshooting

Apply technical knowledge to propose solutions to complex design challenges. This includes interpreting design drawings and acting as a liaison between the project and its partner groups. Candidates should be comfortable working with mechanical and electrical systems such as standard laboratory and shop equipment, vacuum and pressure systems, measurement machines, and tooling and fixtures, and with analog, digital, and RF circuitry.

This position may design simple circuits and mechanical assemblies, develop test procedures, acquire test data, document test results, or troubleshoot custom assemblies and systems. The candidate should be able to work independently as well as part of a team, and actively seek to improve work processes to meet customer needs.

This position will be expected to perform all the tasks above, but in a leadership capacity. This includes independently developing work plans, leading and reviewing other employees’ work, and mentoring junior staff. The position may lead instrument integration, perform verification testing, and manage delivery and integration to external customers. At this level, the role will have regular contact with the broader project team including other technicians, scientists, and engineers, as well as external partners.

Demonstrated ability to identify problems and generate solutions. Ability to absorb large volumes of information from a variety of sources and synthesize it into key elements and requirements. Strong attention to detail. Ability to understand and navigate internal and Laboratory policies and processes.

Ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively with teams of diverse technical backgrounds. Demonstrated written and verbal communication, active listening, interpersonal, and organizational skills are critical.

Demonstrated experience handling delicate parts and instruments while performing mechanical inspection and assembly. Experience using machine shop and laboratory tools, measurement equipment, and hand tools. Ability to conduct research, develop alternative approaches, and recommend solutions for complex electromechanical problems. Ability to read, understand, review, and edit engineering procedures,…