Job Description

Overview

We are an innovative aerospace and defense technology company developing next-generation systems that support critical national security missions. The Senior R&D Technician will support the development of advanced aerospace and defense technologies through hands-on fabrication, prototyping, machining, assembly, integration, and testing activities.

Responsibilities

  • Fabricate, assemble, integrate, and test prototype systems and hardware.
  • Collaborate closely with engineering teams to support rapid design iteration and product development.
  • Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions to ensure accurate builds and assemblies.
  • Support system validation, troubleshooting, and qualification testing.
  • Assist with test stand development, setup, and operation.
  • Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, tooling, and fabrication techniques.
  • Research and implement best practices to improve efficiency, quality, and reliability.
  • Source equipment, tools, and materials required for development efforts.
  • Support off-site testing and field activities as required.
  • Develop and document manufacturing, assembly, and inspection procedures.
  • Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Identify and resolve technical issues while implementing corrective actions.
  • Share technical knowledge and provide guidance to fellow technicians when needed.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and records to support product development and testing activities.

Requirements

  • 5+ years of experience in a high-performance manufacturing, aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or R&D environment.
  • Hands-on experience in fabrication, precision machining, welding, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, test stand development, product testing and validation.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience working with prototype hardware and rapid development cycles.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal oversight in a fast-paced environment.
  • Preferred: Experience supporting DRONES in aerospace, defense, military, nuclear, or other highly regulated industries.
  • Preferred: Knowledge of aerospace-grade manufacturing and quality standards.
  • Preferred: Familiarity with materials science and advanced manufacturing techniques.
  • Preferred: Experience with precision inspection equipment and quality control processes.
  • Preferred: Hands-on experience working with fluid systems, gas systems, or high-voltage equipment.
  • Preferred: Experience developing manufacturing processes for new products from concept through production.

Additional Information

  • Location: Gardena, CA
  • Employment Type: Contract OR C2H
  • U.S. Citizenship may be required due to the nature of the work and customer requirements.

How this job compares in Gardena, CA

Pay in context

This employer didn't publish a rate. For reference, welding jobs across California currently run a median of $35/hr in our index, with the middle half of them falling between $29–$45/hr across 366 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 Gardena, CA

Gardena, CA currently has 9 other active welding openings besides this one, spread across 8 employers. 3 of them were added in the last week. Across California as a whole we're tracking 486 other active welding openings from 233 employers. That's enough local activity to be worth comparing two or three offers before committing. Browse every welding job in Gardena, or widen the search to California.

The most active employers in California at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are SpaceX (35), Welding Shop in Los Angeles, CA (17), and Relativity Space (14). 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 Long Beach at $49/hr, El Segundo at $48/hr, and Los Angeles at $44/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near Gardena, 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 R&D Technician figures were last recalculated when this page was built.