Instrumentation Technician

Job description

Who We Are: Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion. The Role: Instrumentation Technician In this role, you won’t just be supporting aerospace innovation, you’ll be directly enabling it. As an Instrumentation Technician, you will be on the front lines of testing and validating the systems that push the boundaries of high‑speed flight. You’ll own the installation, calibration, and maintenance of critical instrumentation that drives real-time data collection across our test platforms. Your attention to detail, technical precision, and problem‑solving mindset will help ensure every test is safe, successful, and informative. This is an opportunity to work hands-on with cutting‑edge technology, collaborate with engineers who are shaping the future, and make a measurable impact every day on the breakthroughs we achieve. ### What You'll Get To Do • Review and interpret planning documents, schematics, datasheets/manuals, drawings, blueprints, and engineering sketches • Complete all required wiring for electrical ground support equipment within ground systems • Work with launch engineers to troubleshoot failures and resolve issues arising from launch operations • Diagnose, adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components in ground hardware, test equipment, and integration systems • Lay out, assemble, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify wiring for electronics racks and junction boxes • Fabricate and install parts and assemblies for launch environments using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments • Perform maintenance across various roles, including vehicle integration, pad maintenance, site preventative maintenance, general facilities work, and other tasks required to support launch site operations • Connect, test, and validate pressure transducers, thermocouples, and other sensor types • Assemble and install connectors, pins, terminals, and lugs ### What You Have • High school diploma or equivalent • At least 5 years of experience as a mechanic, technician, or construction professional • Minimum of 4 years of experience working with instrumentation such as RTDs, thermocouples, strain gauges, load cells, displacement transducers, or pressure transducers • Work schedule may change based on site operational demands, requiring flexibility • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. without assistance • Position requires frequent lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying • Must be able to work at heights, including using ladders • Must be capable of working in confined spaces • Regular exposure to harsh outdoor conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and ice ### What Will Set You Apart • Over 7 years of professional experience working with power tools • More than 2 years of experience assembling and constructing electronic systems • IPC-620 certification or familiarity with the associated standards • Experience working in testing facilities and supporting test or launch campaigns • Basic understanding of Wheatstone bridge principles, ability to apply Ohm’s law, and foundational knowledge of DC electronics • Associate degree in instrumentation, control technology, electrical systems, or a related discipline • Experience working in corrosive environments and applying appropriate mitigation methods • Practical experience using oscilloscopes, multimeters, and performing soldering on wires and connectors • Strong system-level troubleshooting abilities with a logical approach to diagnosing and resolving instrumentation issues • Knowledge of signal conditioning techniques for various sensors, including: Thermocouple types K, S, and E; Resistance weld and adhesive bond TC attachment methods; Thermocouple probes with thermowell sheaths; Cold junction compensation principles • Experience with devices such as DC power supplies, DC-DC converters, UPS systems, heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, lacing, and proper strain‑relief practices • Working understanding of transducers, operational amplifiers, and measurement techniques for temperature, pressure, flow, displacement, vibration, and strain gauges; ability to define required data, create acquisition plans, set test parameters, and configure equipment accordingly • Familiarity with multiple bus architectures (PXI/PXIe, cRIO, Serial, USB, etc.) and data communication technologies • Proven ability to create detailed project plans including all tasks, milestones, and review points necessary for successful solution development and implementation • Intermediate proficiency with Windows operating systems • Intermediate skill level with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote) • Understanding of data acquisition concepts, hardware, and integration of PXI / cRIO-based systems