Apply to Sr. Mechanical Technician - Hydraulic, Defense

Tittle: Sr. Mechanical Technician - Hydraulic, Defense
Work location: Onsite in Redondo Beach, CA
Duration: 15 months
Terms: W2 Contract
Work authorization: US Citizen; must be able to obtain/maintain a Secret security clearance.

Position Summary:

• The Structural Test Department is seeking a Mechanical Technician (Level 3/4) with strong hydraulic and mechanical skill sets to support assembly, operation, and maintenance of hydraulic cylinders/actuators and the execution of structural load and pressure testing on complex flight and development hardware.
• The preferred candidate will be a self-starter able to work independently or in small teams using blueprints, diagrams, written procedures, and verbal direction to perform test setup and operations.
• Must be able to demonstrate machine operations as well as mechanical maintenance and repair.
• The ideal candidate has experience using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Responsibilities:

• Assemble, plumb, and operate hydraulic power units (HPUs), manifolds, accumulators, and servo/proportional valve systems.
• Install, align, bleed, and maintain hydraulic cylinders/actuators; select, route, and secure hydraulic hoses; assemble and torque fittings (e.g., NPT, JIC, ORFS, AN).
• Set up and operate structural test equipment including load frames, reaction structures, and test fixtures; build/install custom fixturing and restraints as required.
• Instrument test articles with strain gages, load cells, LVDTs, and pressure/flow transducers; perform basic wiring, shunt checks, and troubleshooting.
• Configure and run closed-loop force/displacement control on structural test systems; set setpoints, ramp rates, and high/low safety limits per procedures.
• Monitor and record loads, displacements, and hydraulic parameters using gauges and digital instrumentation; execute proof, hydrostatic, and pressure/decay style tests per work instructions.
• Perform tube/line work (cutting, bending, flaring) and general mechanical assembly, support contamination control, filtration, and fluid cleanliness practices.
• Conduct leak checks and correct leaks; perform mechanical repair and basic metal fabrication.
• Operate cranes, forklifts, and other lift equipment; rig and move large test articles safely.
• Utilize computers and software for test control and data acquisition; document test setup, operations, and results using Microsoft Office.
• Apply safe work practices for high-pressure hydraulics and test operations (PPE, barriers, LOTO); follow procedures and required safety controls.
• Basic electrical skills (DC/resistance measurements for instrumentation and troubleshooting).
• Ability to work off hours and weekends as needed.
• Ability to frequently move and position objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Work in high bays, test labs, and cleanroom environments as required.
• Candidate must be willing to support any shift when required.

Required Qualifications (Level 3):

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Minimum 4 years of experience performing technician responsibilities
• Experience with one or more of the following: Blueprints, Technical Drawings, Diagrams, Instructions, or Schematics.
• Experience with hydraulic systems and/or structural/mechanical testing of flight or development hardware.
• Candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active DoD Secret Clearance.
• Experience with servo-hydraulic structural test systems and controllers and data acquisition systems (including LabVIEW).
• Experience installing strain gages and supporting calibration of load/pressure instrumentation.
• Experience working in a clean room facility and handling flight hardware.
• Experience with mechanical repair and metal fabrication.