Test Technician (Mechanical)

At Stoke, we believe a thriving space economy will enable a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we’re building Nova, our fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle. Designed for daily flight, Nova tackles the core challenges of space transportation by reducing cost, increasing availability, and improving reliability. By radically lowering launch costs and increasing flight cadence, we’re helping create a truly scalable space industry.

Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered to take ownership of their work. If you want to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, we’d love to have you join us.

Description

Reusable systems are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. A key ingredient to making reusable systems is the ability to test hardware quickly. As a Test Technician working at our Moses Lake Test Site, you will be responsible for building fluid, electronic, and structural test stand systems, preparing the test facility for test operations, troubleshooting test related issues, and supporting general test operations. You will fabricate parts and assemblies from blueprints, drawings, and/or verbal instructions. You will fabricate parts and assemblies using power tools, hand tools, and other typical shop equipment. You will work directly with experienced design and test engineers. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.

Responsibilities 

• Fabricate and weld standard and custom parts
• Bend, proof, and clean stainless steel tubing systems
• Safely operate various power tools, saws, and other heavy-duty equipment
• Work closely with engineers for test stand maintenance and operations
• Support troubleshooting efforts
• Safely work around hazardous chemicals and high-pressure systems
• Safely operate forklift, telehandler, and man lift
• This position will spend roughly 50% of the time welding and the remaining time doing other test and build related tasks
• As part of a small team, you will also perform everyday tasks to keep the site running (shipping and receiving, administrative tasks, etc.)

Minimum Qualifications 

• High school diploma or equivalent certificate
• 3+ years TIG welding with stainless steel alloys, aluminum
• 2+ years manual machining experience
• Experience with pipe welding and orbital tube welding
• Familiar with reading and interpreting schematics and drawings
• Experience fabricating custom parts with no drawings
• Familiar with common aerospace fluid connections: 37-degree flare fittings, compression fittings, NPT fittings, ANSI flanges
• Experience with hole layout and drilling
• Willing to work outdoors for long periods of time
• Able to stoop, bend, crawl, and lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Passion for building something with high quality, willing to attend work with a positive and humble attitude, and willing to take ownership of large and small tasks to help the team be successful
• Rigorous attention to detail
• Unbeatable drive and ownership
• Ability to lead & follow

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with welding Inconel
• Experience working with pressurized systems up to 6,000psi
• Experience with crane operations
• Experience troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of pneumatic and cryogenic systems

Benefits

• Equity - We are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees. 
• Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• Company-paid life and disability insurance 
• 401(k) plan with employer match 
• 4 weeks’ Paid Time Off  
• Holidays - 10 days (including an end-of-year closure) 
• Paid Family/Parental Leave  
• On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location) 
• Dog friendly offices! 

Compensation

• Level 2: $32.11 - $48.16/HR
• Level 3: $40.13 - $60.17/HR

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis.

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity 

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status.  It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII.   It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring. 

Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company.  Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re-verify authorization to work periodically.

Separate from this I-9 process, this position entails access to certain technology and technical data that is restricted under U.S. export control laws and regulations.  Employment or continued employment may be conditioned on your legal authorization to work with or have access to export control materials as necessary to perform your job.

Candidate Rights & Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or participate in the interview process, please contact [email protected]. Requests will be handled in accordance with applicable laws. Please do not include medical or other confidential information in your initial request.

For more information about your rights, please refer to the "Know Your Rights" notice here. 

E-Verify

Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires. 

For more information on the right to work, please refer to the poster here.