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Job Description

Overview

Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space, aiming to make Earth more accessible by transforming Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. They are seeking a highly skilled TPS Technician to support the fabrication, installation, and refurbishment of thermal protection systems across their flight hardware.

Responsibilities

  • Fabricate, install, bond, and finish ablative TPS materials on flight hardware
  • Install, fit, trim, and repair ceramic and composite TPS tiles
  • Perform surface prep including sanding, cleaning, masking, and priming for TPS application
  • Execute bonding processes including adhesives, curing cycles, and vacuum bagging
  • Inspect TPS installations for defects, gaps, adhesion issues, and compliance to specifications
  • Conduct rework and repairs on damaged TPS systems
  • Interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and process specifications
  • Collaborate with engineering to refine installation processes and improve manufacturability
  • Maintain cleanroom or controlled environment standards where required
  • Document work performed and track hardware through build processes

Requirements

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace manufacturing, composites, or TPS-related work
  • Experience working with ablative materials, adhesives, or high-temperature composites
  • Familiarity with precision hand tools, measuring equipment, and shop processes
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and work instructions
  • Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship mindset
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance

Additional Information

  • Office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA
  • This position requires in office presence
  • California annual base salary for this role is currently $46 - $61
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How this job compares in Los Angeles, CA

Pay in context

This employer didn't publish a rate. For reference, welding jobs in Los Angeles, CA currently run a median of $51/hr in our index, with the middle half of them falling between $37–$69/hr across 56 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 Los Angeles, CA

We're tracking 98 other active welding openings in Los Angeles, CA right now, from 49 different employers. 32 of them were added in the last week. Across California as a whole we're tracking 498 other active welding openings from 235 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Los Angeles, or widen the search to California.

Inversion currently has 3 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 (37), Relativity Space (17), and Welding Shop in Los Angeles, CA (13). 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 El Segundo at $53/hr, Los Angeles at $51/hr, and Long Beach at $50/hr. Los Angeles is among them.

Similar openings near Los Angeles, CA

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Senior TPS Technician figures were last recalculated when this page was built.