Back to Jobs

Job Description

Overview

Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space, aiming to make Earth more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. The TPS Technician I will support the fabrication and assembly of thermal protection system hardware for the Arc hypersonic reentry vehicle.

Responsibilities

  • Support the fabrication, application, assembly, inspection, and repair of thermal protection system hardware.
  • Work with engineers and production personnel to turn TPS designs into flight-ready hardware.
  • Prepare vehicle surfaces and TPS components.
  • Perform bonding and assembly operations.
  • Support fit checks and inspections.
  • Document work in accordance with released procedures.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Typically 1+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing or a related hardware environment.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail and strong craftsmanship.
  • Ability to follow detailed work instructions and safety procedures.
  • Experience using common hand tools and measuring tools.
  • Ability to perform repetitive, precise manual work.
  • Ability to work with adhesives, sealants, and cleaning materials.
  • Strong organization and documentation discipline.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs. unassisted and work in various positions.
  • Ability to work non-standard shifts, overtime, and weekends.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Additional Information

  • Office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA.
  • This position requires in office presence.
Apply for This Position

How this job compares in Los Angeles, CA

Pay in context

At roughly $33/hr, this posting comes in about 24% below the $43/hr median for welding jobs in Los Angeles, CA, where the middle half runs $35–$60/hr across 61 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 23% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. That gap is worth raising directly — in a market this size there is normally room to negotiate toward the median, particularly if you already hold the certifications the posting asks for.

The local market in Los Angeles, CA

We're tracking 84 other active welding openings in Los Angeles, CA right now, from 59 different employers. 40 of them were added in the last week. Across California as a whole we're tracking 623 other active welding openings from 288 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 1 other opening 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 (34), Vast (22), and Relativity Space (20). 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 Redondo Beach at $71/hr, Long Beach at $54/hr, and Torrance at $43/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

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. TPS Technician I figures were last recalculated when this page was built.