Vehicle Development Technician

Development Technician
Alameda, CA | Full-Time Onsite
Industry: Aerospace, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Prototype Builds

A small rocket team in the Bay Area is hiring a hands-on Development Technician to help build the hardware for their next-generation orbital launch vehicle. This is a build-focused role with a heavy emphasis on sheet metal work
, assembly
, and prototype development
.

You’ll be working directly with engineers to fabricate, assemble, and test mechanical systems for an orbital-class rocket. A lot of this is first-time hardware. They want someone who can help figure things out on the fly, not just follow a manual.

If you like working with your hands, making flat metal take shape, and getting involved early in the build process, this could be a great fit.

• Fabricate and assemble rocket structures, test stands, and tooling
• Work with sheet metal – bend, form, drill, rivet, and fit complex components
• Translate drawings and sketches into real-world parts and give feedback to engineers
• Use fabrication tools like brakes, shears, rollers, drill presses, and mills
• Support fluid system builds including tubing, fittings, and integration
• Help set up and run development tests
• Keep documentation clean and accurate, from test logs to build notes
• Maintain a safe and tidy shop environment

• 2+ years of hands-on sheet metal, fabrication, or mechanical assembly experience
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and GD&T
• Comfortable with tools like press brakes, rivet guns, and drill presses
• Familiarity with Cherry Max and solid rivets
• Good with fasteners, torque specs, and hardware installation
• Clear communication and a willingness to give input during the design process
• Detail-oriented and dependable when working on mission-critical parts
• Willing to put in extra hours when needed during test or build campaigns
• High school diploma or GED required – trade school or associate degree preferred

• Background in aerospace, race cars, custom fabrication, or high-end prototyping
• Welding experience (TIG or MIG)
• Experience with cryogenic or high-pressure fluid systems
• Familiarity with CAD models (NX, Solid Works, etc.)
• Use of calipers, micrometers, and inspection tools

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.