Mechanical Spacecraft Technician (I–III)
How this pay compares
This posting states $55.1k–$74.9k a year. Open technician jobs in California post a median of $73.9k a year, the middle half $61.6k–$83.2k, across 24 jobs that state their pay, so this one is within the middle half of what they post.
About the job
Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it. OUR MISSION True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors - enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.
OUR VALUES - Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity. - What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results. - It’s the people.
Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together. ## BENEFITS & PERKS * - Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, with HSA/HRA options - Generous time off: Flexible Time Off (FTO) for exempt employees, accrued PTO of up to 25 days for non-exempt employees, plus 12 paid holidays; Parental Leave; Sick Leave - Fuel for your day: Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office employees - And more: 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, and Dog Fridays - Equity participation: Equity is included as part of our total compensation package, giving you an opportunity to share in the company’s success. *Do not apply to fixed term and temporary roles YOUR MISSION As a Mechanical Spacecraft Technician, you will play a vital role in the assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft mechanical systems.
You will collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to build spacecraft hardware from early development through environmental testing, flight readiness, and production ramp.
This role may be leveled from Technician I to Technician III based on experience, skills, and demonstrated proficiency. ## RESPONSIBILITIES Mechanical Assembly: Build, install, and inspect spacecraft mechanical hardware - including primary and secondary structures, panels, brackets, payloads, mechanisms, deployables, thermal hardware, fasteners, and support equipment - using engineering drawings, work instructions, and process documentation.
Component Preparation and Handling : Prepare, clean, protect, and handle flight and flight-like hardware. Perform precision assembly operations including torqueing, safety wiring, staking, bonding, shimming, alignment, and mechanical fastening while maintaining hardware traceability and configuration control.
Spacecraft Integration: Support the integration of mechanical subsystems and components into spacecraft structures. Install and route hardware, perform fit checks and dimensional inspections, and support closeouts and access panel installation.
Testing and Validation: Support mechanical functional testing, deployment testing, alignment checks, mass properties measurements, vibration testing, acoustic testing, thermal vacuum testing, and other environmental test activities. Set up test hardware and fixtures, follow approved procedures, and accurately record results. Inspection and Troubleshooting: Perform visual, dimensional, and workmanship inspections.
Identify and document hardware discrepancies, support nonconformance investigations, and work with engineering and quality teams to resolve assembly and integration issues. Tooling and Ground Support Equipment: Operate and maintain hand tools, torque tools, precision measurement equipment, lifting equipment, assembly fixtures, and mechanical ground-support equipment.
Support the development and improvement of tooling and work instructions. Safety and Compliance: Follow requirements for FOD prevention, ESD control, cleanroom operations, hazardous materials, lifting and handling, contamination control, and safe work around energized and flight hardware.
Continuous Improvement: Provide feedback on assembly processes, drawings, work instructions, tooling, and manufacturing methods to improve safety, quality, repeatability, and schedule performance. ## QUALIFICATIONS - Technical degree, certificate, apprenticeship, or equivalent training in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, or a related field. - Relevant experience in spacecraft, aerospace, defense, automotive, precision manufacturing, or other high-reliability mechanical assembly environments. - Experience assembling and integrating mechanical structures, mechanisms, brackets, panels, fasteners, or related hardware. - Proficiency reading engineering drawings, schematics, work instructions, process sheets, and assembly procedures. - Experience using hand tools, torque tools, precision measurement equipment, and mechanical test equipment. - Experience with mechanical alignment, dimensional inspection, shimming, bonding, staking, or safety wiring. - Experience working in ESD-sensitive, FOD-critical, and cleanroom environments. - Ability to follow detailed procedures and maintain accurate build, inspection, and test documentation. - Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team. - Strong written and verbal communication skills. - Ability to lift 25 pounds and work in and around constrained or confined spaces. ## LEVELING GUIDANCE Technician I: Develops proficiency in spacecraft mechanical assembly, hardware handling, documentation, and inspection while working under regular guidance.
Typically has 0–1 years of relevant experience or equivalent technical training. Technician II: Independently performs a broad range of mechanical assembly, integration, inspection, and test activities. Troubleshoots common issues and supports process improvements and peer training. Typically has 1–3 years of relevant experience.
Technician III: Performs complex mechanical assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and testing with limited supervision. Serves as a technical resource for other technicians and supports development hardware, environmental testing, flight readiness, and production ramp.
Typically has 3+ years of relevant experience or equivalent demonstrated proficiency. ## PREFERRED SKILLS - Spacecraft or satellite mechanical assembly and integration - Experience with primary and secondary spacecraft structures - Mechanical mechanisms, deployment systems, hinges, latches, or release devices - Precision alignment and dimensional inspection - Torque application, safety wiring, staking, shimming, and mechanical fastening - Structural bonding, potting, or adhesive application - Experience supporting vibration, acoustic, thermal vacuum, or other environmental testing - Experience with lifting and handling flight hardware - Familiarity with GD&T and mechanical inspection practices - Experience with composite structures, lightweight materials, or additive-manufactured hardware - Experience using coordinate measuring machines, laser trackers, optical tooling, or other alignment equipment - Relevant certifications in mechanical assembly, rigging, machining, composites, or cleanroom operations ## COMPENSATION - Base Salary: Technician I : $26.50-$36/hr - Technician II: $31.50-$ 41.50/hr - Technician III: $36-50.50/hr - *this position is non-exempt and is eligible for overtime - Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience. ## ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS - Work Location - this a fully onsite position based out of our Centennial, CO office. - Work environment - the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job. - Physical demands - the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.
This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Ons
From True Anomaly's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About True Anomaly
Spacecraft and software for space security.
Pay on its listings: 99.5% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on True Anomaly's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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