NASA Millwright Mechanic 35 An Hour

Millwright Mechanic / Research Lab Mechanic

This role supports advanced aeronautics, space power, and propulsion test facilities as a Millwright Mechanic in a research laboratory environment. You will operate and maintain a wide range of mechanical, hydraulic, cryogenic, and vacuum systems, perform complex fabrication and welding tasks, and assist with the installation and operation of intricate research test packages. The position requires strong mechanical aptitude, hands-on troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work safely with specialized equipment in a highly technical test facility.

Responsibilities

• Operate facility material-handling equipment including overhead cranes, bucket trucks, man-lifts, forklifts, portable cranes, and related rigging such as lifting straps, chain hoists, and come-alongs to safely move equipment and materials.
• Perform welding in horizontal, overhead, and vertical positions using oxy-acetylene, AC-DC electric arc, MIG, and TIG processes on a variety of materials including stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, copper, and brass.
• Operate large mechanical shop tools such as drill presses, power hacksaws, band saws, shears, pipe threaders, brakes, rollers, lathes, and grinders, as well as small power tools including air winches, drills, and grinders.
• Lay out, fabricate, and assemble complex tubing systems using flaring machines and tubing benders, ensuring accurate routing and secure connections.
• Disassemble, repair, reassemble, and verify the proper operation of various types of valves, valve operators, and pressure regulators, selecting hardware materials compatible with flow media properties, pressures, and temperatures.
• Operate and support hydraulic systems and high-pressure gas systems, including gas tubers, pressure reduction stations, pressure pumps, and seals.
• Work with and maintain a basic understanding of environmental test chambers, mass spectrometer leak detectors, and vacuum systems used in research testing.
• Assist in the installation and operation of intricate research test packages in multiple test facilities, ensuring mechanical systems are correctly integrated and functional.
• Fabricate, install, operate, and maintain mechanical control test panels and specialized test equipment, and as needed, operate, maintain, and calibrate leak detection systems.
• Perform general maintenance on mechanical vacuum pumping equipment, including diffusion pumps, cryo-pumps, steam ejector systems, heat exchangers, and cryogenic vaporizers.

Why Work Here?

You will contribute directly to cutting-edge aeronautics and space-related research in a highly technical environment, supporting facilities that play a key role in advanced testing and innovation. Team members on contract receive paid time off, including five days of PTO on a nine-month engagement and pay for government holidays, along with a Health & Welfare fringe benefit for each working hour.

Many contractors have transitioned into long-term roles, and the program actively seeks to bring high-performing individuals on directly. Once in a direct role, you can access multiple health plan options, generous vacation that grows with service and can be carried over or paid out, additional personal and sick time that is paid out if unused, tuition reimbursement, a fully vested 401(k) with employer contribution, paid holidays, and participation in awards and bonus programs.

The culture emphasizes professional development, stability, and recognition, offering a rewarding environment for those who enjoy hands-on technical work in support of meaningful research.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sandusky, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.15 - $35.15/hr eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision;
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital; 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available;
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents);
Short and long-term disability;
Health Spending Account (HSA);
Transportation benefits;
Employee Assistance Program;
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Sandusky, OH.

Final date to receive applications

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 6, 2026.