Talent.com
R&D Technician - Hypersonics (Welding, Machining, Composites)
R&D Technician - Hypersonics (Welding, Machining, Composites)Castelion Corporation • Torrance, CA, US
R&D Technician - Hypersonics (Welding, Machining, Composites)

R&D Technician - Hypersonics (Welding, Machining, Composites)

Castelion Corporation • Torrance, CA, US
15 days ago
Job type
  • Permanent
Job description

Job Description

Job Description

About Castelion

Castelion is bringing a new approach to defense development and production : one that focuses on short, iterative design cycles, rapid testing in development, and modern commercial manufacturing strategies for production at scale. Were designing, building, and testing next generation long range strike weapons systems to give America and its Allies a definitive edge and deter future conflicts.

R&D Technician - Hypersonics (Welding, Machining, Composites)

We're looking for a hands-on R&D Technician to support prototype fabrication, assembly, and test of hypersonic systems. You'll work directly with engineers to translate designs into parts and assemblies - focusing on precision manual machining, TIG / MIG welding, and composite layup and repair - in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Fabricate, fit, and assemble prototype components to engineering drawings and verbal instructions.
  • Perform manual machining operations (lathe, mill) for low-volume prototype parts and fixtures.
  • Execute TIG and MIG welding on metallic components; perform tack, finish, and cleanup to assembly standards.
  • Prepare, lay up, and cure composite parts; perform repairs and trimming as directed.
  • Read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD prints, and inspection criteria.
  • Support first-article builds, bench and lab tests, and iterative design changes.
  • Perform basic inspection and dimensional checks; document work and non-conformances.
  • Maintain clean, organized work area and follow shop safety and quality procedures.
  • Collaborate with engineers to suggest manufacturability or assembly improvements.
  • Assist in tooling fabrication, jigs, and fixtures as required.

Required Qualifications

  • 3+ years hands-on experience in a machine shop, fabrication shop, or aerospace manufacturing environment.
  • Proficient in TIG and MIG welding on aerospace-grade metals (aluminum, stainless, common alloys).
  • Practical experience with manual machining : lathes, mills, and basic tooling.
  • Experience with composite materials : layup, trimming, sanding, and small repairs.
  • Able to read and interpret engineering drawings and follow detailed instructions.
  • Strong attention to detail, good manual dexterity, and mechanical troubleshooting skills.
  • Comfortable working in a team environment and communicating with engineers.
  • Willingness to work in a safety-conscious, controlled environment (PPE, cleanroom practices as required).
  • Preferred Qualifications / Nice-to-Have

  • Certifications : Welding (AWS), machining (NIMS), or composite technician training.
  • Prior experience with prototype or aerospace components.
  • Familiarity with basic inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges).
  • Experience with basic hand & power tools, band saw, grinders, deburring tools.
  • Experience working on classified / secure programs or prior cleared contractor experience.
  • Physical & Other Requirements

  • Ability to lift up to ~50 lbs occasionally and stand for extended periods.
  • Ability to work with chemical resins, solvents, and adhere to PPE protocols.
  • Shift flexibility as project needs dictate.
  • Clearance : May require U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain / maintain a security clearance.
  • Why Join Us

    Work at the cutting edge of hypersonics development in a collaborative R&D environment where your workmanship directly impacts prototype performance and test outcomes.

    Leadership Qualities

  • Bias to Action and Creative Problem Solving . Desire and experience questioning assumptions in ways that lead to break through ideas that are ultimately implemented. Successfully bring in applicable processes / concepts / materials from other industries to achieve efficiency gains. Have the ability to personally resolve minor issues in development without requiring significant support.
  • High Commitment, High Initiative . A successful candidate will have a genuine passion for Castelion's mission and consistently look for ways to contribute to the company's technical goals and prevent hardware blockers. Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere. Strong sense of accountability and integrity.
  • Clear Communicator . Proactively communicates blockers. Trusted in previous roles to be voice of company with regulators, suppliers, gate keepers and customers. Capable of tactfully managing relationships with stakeholders to achieve company-desired outcomes without compromising relationships. Emails, IMs and verbal interactions are logical, drive clarity, and detailed enough to eliminate ambiguity.
  • ITAR Requirements

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
  • Employment with Castelion is governed on the basis of competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin / ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

    All employees are granted long-term stock incentives as part of their employment at Castelion. All employees receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance, and the company offers four weeks of paid time off per year.

    Create a job alert for this search

    R&D Technician - Hypersonics (Welding, Machining, Composites) • Torrance, CA, US

    Related jobs
    Tooling Technician, Special Projects

    Tooling Technician, Special Projects

    Hadrian Automation • Los Angeles, CA, US
    Permanent
    Hadrian - Manufacturing the Future.Hadrian is building autonomous factories that help aerospace and defense companies manufacture rockets, satellites, jets, and ships up to 10x faster and up to 2x ...Show more
    Last updated: 9 days ago • Promoted
    Electro-Mechanical Assembly Technician

    Electro-Mechanical Assembly Technician

    VirtualVocations • Signal Hill, California, United States
    Full-time
    A company is looking for an Assembly Technician to join their Production team.Key Responsibilities Perform a variety of electro-mechanical assembly operations, including troubleshooting and repai...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    CNC Machinist III - Mills - 2nd Shift

    CNC Machinist III - Mills - 2nd Shift

    Regal Rexnord • Simi Valley, CA, US
    Permanent
    Come join our team here in Simi Valley, California.Several factors are considered when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role responsibilities, candidate’s work experience...Show more
    Last updated: 27 days ago • Promoted
    Machining Tech II

    Machining Tech II

    Howmet • Fullerton, CA, United States
    Full-time
    S State College, Fullerton, CA, 92831, US.Remote Work Schedule Availability?.This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's abilit...Show more
    Last updated: 21 days ago • Promoted
    CNC Setup Technician

    CNC Setup Technician

    Express Employment Professionals - Garden Grove • Los Alamitos, CA, US
    Full-time +1
    We are urgently looking a skilled and detail-oriented CNC Setup Technician to support our machining operations.This role is critical to ensuring that CNC mills and lathes are properly configured fo...Show more
    Last updated: 24 days ago • Promoted
    Machining Technician II, Davenport

    Machining Technician II, Davenport

    Howmet • Torrance, CA, United States
    Full-time
    Remote Work Schedule Availability?.This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items....Show more
    Last updated: 21 days ago • Promoted
    Machining Technician II

    Machining Technician II

    Howmet • Torrance, CA, United States
    Full-time
    Remote Work Schedule Availability?.This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items....Show more
    Last updated: 21 days ago • Promoted
    Machinist / Machine Shop Technician

    Machinist / Machine Shop Technician

    Compunnel, Inc. • Cypress, CA, US
    Permanent
    The Machinist / Machine Shop Technician will be responsible for performing precision machining operations to meet exacting specifications. This includes setting up and operating mills, lathes, grind...Show more
    Last updated: 4 days ago • Promoted
    Rotating Machinery Subject Matter Expert

    Rotating Machinery Subject Matter Expert

    VirtualVocations • North Hollywood, California, United States
    Full-time
    A company is looking for a Rotating Machinery SME to oversee engineering efforts and collaborate with suppliers.Key Responsibilities : Oversee the design and manufacturing processes of large nucle...Show more
    Last updated: 4 days ago • Promoted
    Machining Tech III, Second Shift

    Machining Tech III, Second Shift

    Howmet • Fullerton, CA, United States
    Full-time
    S State College, Fullerton, CA, 92831, US.Remote Work Schedule Availability?.This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's abilit...Show more
    Last updated: 11 days ago • Promoted
    Machining Tech I- 2nd Shift

    Machining Tech I- 2nd Shift

    Howmet • Fullerton, CA, United States
    Full-time
    S State College, Fullerton, CA, 92831, US.Remote Work Schedule Availability?.This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's abilit...Show more
    Last updated: 21 days ago • Promoted
    Friction Stir Welding Technician I, Second Shift

    Friction Stir Welding Technician I, Second Shift

    Relativity Space • Long Beach, CA, US
    Full-time
    At Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs.Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand ...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Friction Stir Welding Technician II, First Shift

    Friction Stir Welding Technician II, First Shift

    Relativity Space • Long Beach, CA, US
    Full-time
    At Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs.Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand ...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Machining Tech I

    Machining Tech I

    Howmet • Torrance, CA, United States
    Full-time
    Remote Work Schedule Availability?.This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items....Show more
    Last updated: 21 days ago • Promoted
    Machining Tech III, Heading

    Machining Tech III, Heading

    Howmet • Carson, CA, United States
    Full-time
    Watson Center Road, Carson, CA, 90745, US.Remote Work Schedule Availability?.This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's abilit...Show more
    Last updated: 21 days ago • Promoted
    Machining Tech I, Assembly (1st Shift)

    Machining Tech I, Assembly (1st Shift)

    Howmet • Carson, CA, United States
    Full-time
    Watson Center Road, Carson, CA, 90745, US.Remote Work Schedule Availability?.NYSE : HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for...Show more
    Last updated: 21 days ago • Promoted
    Weld Technician II

    Weld Technician II

    Relativity Space • Long Beach, CA, US
    Full-time
    At Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs.Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand ...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    CNC Machinist - VTM -Mill and Lathe

    CNC Machinist - VTM -Mill and Lathe

    Regal Rexnord • Simi Valley, CA, US
    Permanent
    CNC Set-up Machinist III – Lathe with Mill Experience - VTM.Several factors are considered when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role responsibilities, candidate’s ...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted