TPS Technician — Hypersonic Vehicle Assembly

Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pioneering advanced reentry technology to enable next-generation capabilities from space. By combining high-performance materials, precision aerodynamics, and mission-driven autonomy, Inversion is transforming reentry into an operational capability for an entirely new class of missions.

The company’s highly maneuverable reentry spacecraft, Arc, is designed for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and other national security missions that require precise, controlled flight through the atmosphere. Arc creates an entirely new transportation domain, unlocking unprecedented speed and global reach.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Inversion designs, manufactures, and integrates its spacecraft under one roof, enabling the company to move rapidly from concept to flight. The company is backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, with customers across the U.S. government and commercial space industry.

Position Overview:

As a TPS Technician at Inversion, you will support the fabrication, application, assembly, inspection, and repair of thermal protection system (TPS) hardware for the Arc hypersonic reentry vehicle. You will work directly with engineers, technicians, and production personnel to turn released TPS designs and processes into flight-ready hardware. This is a hands-on role focused on precise execution, workmanship, and process discipline.

You will prepare vehicle surfaces and TPS components, perform bonding and assembly operations, support fit checks and inspections, and document work in accordance with released procedures.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Typically 1+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing, composites, aerospace assembly, automotive bodywork, fabrication, bonding, coatings, or a related hardware environment.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, strong craftsmanship, and pride in producing high-quality work.
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions, drawings, inspection requirements, and safety procedures.
• Experience using common hand tools, measuring tools, and shop equipment.
• Ability to perform repetitive, precise manual work while maintaining consistent quality.
• Ability to work with adhesives, sealants, coatings, and cleaning materials while following applicable PPE and safety requirements.
• Strong organization and documentation discipline.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. unassisted and work in various positions, including standing, kneeling, bending, crawling, and overhead work.
• Ability to work non-standard shifts, overtime, and weekends as required to support vehicle builds, test campaigns, and flight operations.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/ Top Secret security clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with thermal protection systems, high-temperature insulation, ceramic materials, ablative materials, composites, or bonded aerospace structures.
• Experience with aerospace cleaning, surface preparation, masking, bonding, curing, or controlled-material handling.
• Familiarity with work orders, drawings, bills of materials, inventory systems, and configuration-controlled manufacturing environments.
• Experience operating shop equipment such as vacuum systems, ovens, curing equipment, mixers, sanders, cutting tools, or inspection equipment.
• Familiarity with aerospace quality practices, foreign object debris prevention, non-conformance documentation, and traceability requirements.
• Experience supporting spacecraft, launch vehicle, aircraft, UAV, motor sport, or other high-performance hardware builds.
• Prior experience in a fast-paced startup, prototype, R&D, or…