Propulsion Technician

Join us at Phase Four as we deliver cutting edge electric propulsion to thousands of spacecraft over the next decade. We enable large constellations of satellites in low earth orbit (LEO) and beyond, both for commercial and government entities. Our plasma thruster enables new missions for satellites with next-generation propellants, while eliminating the primary failure points of legacy technologies.

Job Summary

At Phase Four we are focused on delivering innovative propulsion solutions to meet the needs of tomorrow’s satellite constellations. As Phase Four’s Propulsion Technician, you will provide support to the team in engineering, testing, and acceptance test campaign efforts. Additionally, you will build the hardware that will fly with customers, and will build and maintain the test stands that allow us to prove our technology. The ideal Propulsion Technician will play a critical role in building and advancing our products.

Core Responsibilities

• Fabrication/assembly/integration across multiple subsystems including:
• Fluid systems with valves, regulators, and actuators for maximum reliability in extreme environments at pressures up to 10,000 psig
• Mechanical systems with torqued fasteners, ceramic bonds, and strong magnetics
• Electrical systems containing soldered components, PCBs, custom harnessing, and unique RF antenna geometries
• Responsible for maintaining a high standard of build quality, ensure tests are being run correctly and directly interface with engineers on the floor
• Precision cleaning familiarity to inspect, clean, and prepare flight parts for assembly
• Understand component functionality and assist in troubleshooting or recognizing potential issues before they occur
• Assist with updating work instructions to reduce possibilities of future errors
• Engine install, assembly, set-up, test and de-assemble production hardware
• Troubleshoot failure modes and provide photo documentation working directly with engineering to solve problems
• Collaborate and cooperate with team members to achieve daily, weekly, and monthly targets
• Maintain a professional and neat work area
• Perform work according to procedures, specifications and test instructions
• Maintain lab equipment, such as ovens, tools, vacuum chambers, vacuum pumps, and clean room areas
• Produce flight hardware in high quantity during production runs
• Assist engineering teams in writing up build procedures
• Assist in troubleshooting during production tests
• Find and report potential issues before they occur

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in hardware assembly, test, and/or installation
• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• Attention to detail
• Flexibility in a dynamic work environment
• Familiarity with common production processes and equipment, such as vacuum ovens, clean rooms, vacuum chambers, vibration testing
• Familiarity-with and correct use of general hand tools.
• Able to lift 50 lbs unassisted
• Must be willing to be cross-trained on fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems
• Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and/or weekends as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in Aerospace and/or with Space-flight hardware
• Airframe & Powerplant Certification
• Experience with heavy equipment
• Manual machining and turning experience
• Welding
• J-STD soldering certification

Benefits

• Phase Four offers competitive salary and equity, comprehensive health benefits, generous vacation policy, and a collaborative and fun work environment.

Notes

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
• We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.