Columbus Technologies and Services

Overview

The Propulsion Technician position at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory involves working in the Mechanical, Packaging, and Test Section to provide technical support for the fabrication, assembly, cleaning, and testing of electro-mechanical developmental and flight hardware. This is a 2-year contract role that may be extended or converted, requiring US citizenship and compliance with background checks.

Responsibilities

• Interact with customers and quality assurance to prepare and work from test procedures for precision tubing fabrication and propulsion system assembly.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory protocols, government regulations, and professional standards.
• Perform manual and mechanical tube bending, flaring, and facing operations.
• Prepare tubing, set purge parameters, configure weld heads, and perform orbital tube welding.
• Build pressure/propulsion/fluid/purge systems to schematics using industry-standard components.
• Conduct proof, cold shock, and leak testing, including advanced leak checking.
• Support flight propulsion/fluid system assembly, test, and launch site operations.
• Support Pressure Vessel Systems and Pressure System Safety activities.
• Perform precision parts cleaning using various chemicals and cleaning solutions.
• Work in ISO-5 cleanroom and controlled environments, following all protocols.
• Maintain calibration/certification records for equipment.
• Support the Precision Cleaning Facility with cleaning and analyses.

Requirements

• High School diploma with 3 to 4 years of general work experience, or Associates with 2 years of related experience, or Bachelors with 1 year of related experience.
• Ability to understand precision tubing fabrication, orbital tube welding, and pressure/propulsion/fluid system assembly.
• General understanding and experience in mechanical hardware assembly and test.
• Experience with hand tools and some machining experience.
• Understanding of policies and procedures in handling Flight Hardware.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel to distant locations as needed.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• PTO

Additional Information

• 2 year contract position with potential to be extended or converted.
• W2 with full benefits, 9/80 Work Schedule.
• Location: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA (onsite).
• Offer contingent on ability to successfully pass a background check and drug screen.