Job Description

Overview

The Mechanical Systems Technician II position at NASA's largest engineering solutions provider involves skilled work in the development, fabrication, calibration, setup, operation, and maintenance of laboratory fixtures and equipment, contributing to human space exploration.

Responsibilities

  • Perform skilled work in the development, fabrication, calibration, setup, operation, and maintenance of laboratory fixtures, equipment, and facilities.
  • Fabricate, modify, and assemble various complex hardware and systems from engineer drawings, sketches, or verbal and written instructions.
  • Build and operate complex mechanical systems and equipment including pressure, vacuum, cryogenic, hydraulic, pneumatic, vibration, and acoustic test equipment and systems.
  • Interpret engineering drawings, sketches, and work instructions to carry out assignments.
  • Work directly with engineering personnel and/or higher level technicians on design, fabrication, installation, and operation of components and special systems.
  • Assist in preparation of test procedures, test preparation sheets, and operational servicing reports.
  • Operate forklift and man-lift equipment as required.
  • Work at elevated locations using ladders, man-lifts, scaffolding, and other work platforms.
  • Operate appropriate shop mechanical equipment, systems, and tools.
  • Cut, flare, thread, and bend tubing and pipe for assembly of high and low pressure systems.
  • Clean hardware and components prior to, during, and after assembly using established procedures.
  • Perform testing and leak checking of vacuum and pressure systems and hardware.
  • Operate mechanical systems through a data and controls computer interface as applicable.
  • Maintain equipment, including preventive maintenance and repairs.
  • Test, calibrate, adjust, repair, and set up test or research-oriented equipment.
  • Execute all work duties in a skilled, safe, and technically proficient manner.
  • Wear and utilize appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during work duties.
  • Identify and correct potential hazards and unsafe acts/conditions at the work site.
  • Notify Supervisor and Management of any hazards in the workplace.
  • Maintain work area in a neat, orderly, and safe condition.
  • May be assisted by less experienced technicians in performance of work duties.
  • Work shifts assigned as a certified test system operator or trainee under guidance.

Requirements

  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Ability to assist with the work of others.
  • Proficient operational experience in standard and complex mechanical equipment and systems.
  • Proficient knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures within assigned work area.
  • Demonstrated ability to train on and certify in one or more primary duty stations.
  • High School diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 4 years of experience in the field or related area.

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • PTO
  • 401k

Additional Information

  • Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical.
  • Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods.

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
PTO
401k

How this job compares in Houston, TX

Pay in context

At roughly $26/hr, this posting lands within a few percent of the $27/hr median for welding jobs in Houston, TX, whose middle half runs $22–$37/hr across 85 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 47% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. In other words it is a market-rate offer, so benefits, overtime, and shift schedule are where the real difference between this and the next posting on the list shows up.

The local market in Houston, TX

We're tracking 341 other active welding openings in Houston, TX right now, from 193 different employers. 94 of them were added in the last week. Across Texas as a whole we're tracking 1,256 other active welding openings from 597 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Houston, or widen the search to Texas.

Amentum currently has 5 other openings live in Texas, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in Texas at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Austin Industries (29), Welding Shop in Austin, TX (27), and Zachry Group (23). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Texas, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Midlothian at $38/hr, Irving at $38/hr, and Pasadena at $37/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near Houston, TX

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