Mechanical Technician 3

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. Monitor and record loads, displacements, and hydraulic parameters using gauges and digital instrumentation; execute proof, hydrostatic, and pressure/decay style tests per work instructions.

Job Title: Mechanical Technician 3 – Hydraulic Cylinders & Structural Testing
 
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).
 
Typical duties include:
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
 
Basic Qualifications (Level 3):

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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