Test Technician

Test Technician II

Summary

Vaya Space is a privately owned space and defense company headquartered on Florida’s Space Coast. We are advancing patented vortex-hybrid engine technology to deliver propulsion systems that meet the highest standards of safety, affordability, and sustainability. In the commercial market, our Dauntless launch vehicle provides reliable and cost-effective access to orbit. In defense, our hybrid propulsion systems support next-generation tactical, hypersonic, and missile defense applications.

As a Test Technician, you will support the build, integration, and operation of test hardware and fluid systems for Vaya Space’s space and defense test programs. This role spans primary propulsion test stands as well as hydrostatic pressure, structural, and component-level test systems. You will work hands-on with mechanical, fluid, and instrumentation hardware to enable safe, repeatable, and high-fidelity test operations—supporting systems that measure and control pressure, temperature, flow, and structural loads in demanding test environments. You will support projects from initial build-up through commissioning and live test operations, working closely with engineers to fabricate and integrate fluid systems, install instrumentation, and prepare test stands for execution. Testing is central to our mission, placing you directly in the cycle of build, ground test, and system validation required to mature propulsion systems and flight-critical hardware.

We are a fast-paced, mission-driven team tackling some of the hardest problems in aerospace. Success at Vaya requires personal leadership, strong technical skills, and meticulous attention to detail. Every team member contributes across disciplines, stepping up where needed to drive innovation forward.
If you want to make an impact and help shape the future of space and defense, Vaya Space is the place to do it.

Travel Required

Up to 15%

Required Security Clearance

Ability to gain and maintain a SECRET clearance if required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Fabricate, assemble, and integrate fluid systems for propulsion, structural, and component-level test stands.
• Install and maintain high-pressure, pneumatic, and cryogenic systems, including tubing, piping, valves, regulators, fittings, and pressure vessels.
• Support test stand build-up activities including mechanical assembly, plumbing, structural integration, and facility interfaces.
• Assist with installation and routing of instrumentation and controls hardware, including pressure transducers, thermocouples, load cells, flow meters, cabling, and signal lines.
• Support DAQ and controls installation by assisting with sensor mounting, wiring, labeling, continuity checks, and basic troubleshooting.
• Perform leak checks, pressure testing, proof testing, and system checkout in accordance with approved procedures and safety requirements.
• Serve as a member of the Red Crew during test operations, executing hands-on actions in hazardous environments such as system configuration, valve operations, and test stand setup/teardown in accordance with test procedures and safety protocols.
• Support test stand commissioning, dry runs, and live test operations, including day-of-test setup, monitoring, and post-test teardown.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, fluid, and instrumentation issues during test operations and assist engineers with root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Maintain test hardware, tooling, and facilities; perform repairs, modifications, and upgrades as needed.
• Follow configuration control, safety processes, and red crew protocols to ensure safe and repeatable test execution.
• Assist with documentation including build records, as-built updates, test procedures, and maintenance logs.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5+ years of hands-on experience as a test technician, mechanical technician, or similar role supporting test, manufacturing, or industrial systems.
• Practical experience fabricating and assembling fluid systems, including tubing, piping, fittings, and valves.
• Experience working with high-pressure and pneumatic systems; familiarity with cryogenic systems strongly preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, P&IDs, schematics, and assembly instructions.
• Experience using common shop tools and equipment (hand tools, tube benders, flaring tools, torque tools, drills, etc.).
• Basic understanding of DAQ and control systems (wiring, sensor routing, labeling, continuity checks).
• Comfortable working in a test environment that may include hazardous systems, loud noise, and outdoor facilities.
• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, safety mindset, and ability to follow procedures.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, hands-on engineering environment.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex hardware/software/system-level issues in a live test environment.
• Willingness to work flexible hours as necessary.
• To comply with U.S. export regulations, such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the Export Administration Regulations you must (a) be a “U.S. Person” as defined under those regulations, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., and protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (b) otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce, as appropriate.

Preferred Skills and Education

• Experience supporting aerospace propulsion or rocket test stands (hot-fire, flow, hydrostatic, or structural testing).
• Experience with cryogenic fluids (LOX, LN₂, etc.), including insulation, chill-down, and cryogenic plumbing practices.
• Familiarity with aerospace-grade fittings and standards (Swagelok, AN, NPT, etc.).
• Familiarity with applicable electrical, safety, or instrumentation standards (NEC, NFPA, ISA) in test or industrial environments.
• Experience installing or supporting instrumentation and sensors (pressure, temperature, load, flow).
• Experience performing pressure testing, leak checking, and system verification.
• Forklift, crane, or rigging experience.
• Technical certification, military technical background, or associate degree in a related technical field.
• Understanding of appropriate test methodologies for rocket engines and space launch vehicle hardware.