Mechanical Technician 3 – Hydraulic Cylinders & Structural TestingThe 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 systemsInstall, 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 requiredInstrument test articles with strain gages, load cells, LVDTs, and pressure/flow transducers; perform basic wiring, shunt checks, and troubleshootingConfigure and run closed-loop force/displacement control on structural test systems; set setpoints, ramp rates, and high/low safety limits per proceduresMonitor and record loads, displacements, and hydraulic parameters using gauges and digital instrumentation; execute proof, hydrostatic, and pressure/decay style tests per work instructionsPerform tube/line work (cutting, bending, flaring) and general mechanical assembly, support contamination control, filtration, and fluid cleanliness practicesConduct leak checks and correct leaks; perform mechanical repair and basic metal fabricationOperate cranes, forklifts, and other lift equipment; rig and move large test articles safelyUtilize computers and software for test control and data acquisition; document test setup, operations, and results using Microsoft OfficeApply safe work practices for high-pressure hydraulics and test operations (PPE, barriers, LOTO); follow procedures and required safety controlsBasic electrical skills (DC/resistance measurements for instrumentation and troubleshooting) Ability to work off hours and weekends as neededAbility to frequently move and position objects weighing up to 50 poundsWork in high bays, test labs, and cleanroom environments as requiredCandidate must be willing to support any shift when requiredBasic Qualifications (Level 3):High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (G.E.D.)Minimum 4 years of experience performing technician responsibilitiesExperience with one or more of the following: Blueprints, Technical Drawings, Diagrams, Instructions, or SchematicsExperience with hydraulic systems and/or structural/mechanical testing of flight or development hardwareCandidate must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret ClearancePreferred Qualifications: Active DoD Secret ClearanceExperience with servo-hydraulic structural test systems and controllers and data acquisition systems (including LabVIEW) Experience installing strain gages and supporting calibration of load/pressure instrumentationExperience working in a clean room facility and handling flight hardwareExperience with mechanical repair and metal fabrication
