R&D Technician - Hypersonics (Welding, Machining, Composites)

Location

Torrance, CA

Employment Type

Full-time

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Posted on July 23, 2026

Job Description

Overview

Castelion is innovating defense development and production with a focus on rapid design cycles and modern manufacturing strategies. They are seeking a hands-on R&D Technician to support the fabrication, assembly, and testing of hypersonic systems in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Responsibilities

  • Fabricate, fit, and assemble prototype components to engineering drawings and verbal instructions.
  • Perform manual machining operations (lathe, mill) for low-volume prototype parts and fixtures.
  • Execute TIG and MIG welding on metallic components; perform tack, finish, and cleanup to assembly standards.
  • Prepare, lay up, and cure composite parts; perform repairs and trimming as directed.
  • Read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD prints, and inspection criteria.
  • Support first-article builds, bench and lab tests, and iterative design changes.
  • Perform basic inspection and dimensional checks; document work and non-conformances.
  • Maintain clean, organized work area and follow shop safety and quality procedures.
  • Collaborate with engineers to suggest manufacturability or assembly improvements.
  • Assist in tooling fabrication, jigs, and fixtures as required.

Requirements

  • 3+ years hands-on experience in a machine shop, fabrication shop, or aerospace manufacturing environment.
  • Proficient in TIG and MIG welding on aerospace-grade metals (aluminum, stainless, common alloys).
  • Practical experience with manual machining: lathes, mills, and basic tooling.
  • Experience with composite materials: layup, trimming, sanding, and small repairs.
  • Able to read and interpret engineering drawings and follow detailed instructions.
  • Strong attention to detail, good manual dexterity, and mechanical troubleshooting skills.
  • Comfortable working in a team environment and communicating with engineers.
  • Willingness to work in a safety-conscious, controlled environment (PPE, cleanroom practices as required).

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • PTO

Additional Information

  • Ability to lift up to ~50 lbs occasionally and stand for extended periods.
  • Ability to work with chemical resins, solvents, and adhere to PPE protocols.
  • Shift flexibility as project needs dictate.
  • May require U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance.

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
PTO

How this job compares in Torrance, CA

Pay in context

This employer didn't publish a rate. For reference, welding jobs in Torrance, CA currently run a median of $33/hr in our index, with the middle half of them falling between $26–$67/hr across 11 postings with published pay. That median is a reasonable floor to anchor on when a recruiter asks what you're looking for.

The local market in Torrance, CA

We're tracking 24 other active welding openings in Torrance, CA right now, from 9 different employers. 1 of them was added in the last week. Across California as a whole we're tracking 399 other active welding openings from 208 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Torrance, or widen the search to California.

Castelion currently has 2 other openings live in California, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in California at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are SpaceX (20), Aerotek (17), and Volt (16). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within California, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Santa Ana at $48/hr, Los Angeles at $38/hr, and Hawthorne at $36/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

What you'll be running

This posting calls for MIG and TIG work. MIG (GMAW) feeds a continuous wire electrode through a shielding-gas nozzle. It lays down metal fast and is forgiving on clean material, which is why it dominates production and light fabrication work. TIG (GTAW) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode with filler added by hand, giving the operator the most control of any process. It is slow, demanding, and the standard for stainless, aluminum, and anything where the bead has to look as good as it holds.

Similar openings near Torrance, CA

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. R&D Technician - Hypersonics (Welding, Machining, Composites) figures were last recalculated when this page was built.