Senior TPS Technician
- Pay
- $46 – $61 per hour
- Location
- Playa Vista, CA · On-site
- Job type
- Full-time
- Level
- Senior
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Listed
- 30 days ago
Skills & highlights for this role
- US Secret or Top Secret clearance eligibility
- ITAR eligibility
- ablative materials
- high-temperature composites
- bonding and adhesive cure cycles
- reading technical drawings
Also useful
- NDI inspection
- cleanroom processes
Position Overview
We're looking for a highly skilled and detail-oriented TPS Technician to support the fabrication, installation, and refurbishment of thermal protection systems across our flight hardware. This role is critical to ensuring the integrity and performance of heat shield systems, including ablative materials and reusable tile-based protection.
You'll work closely with engineering and integration teams to bring designs to life-owning the hands-on execution of TPS processes in a fast-paced startup environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Fabricate, install, bond, and finish ablative TPS materials on flight hardware.
- Install, fit, trim, and repair ceramic and composite TPS tiles.
- Perform surface prep including sanding, cleaning, masking, and priming for TPS application.
- Execute bonding processes (adhesives, curing cycles, vacuum bagging where applicable).
- Inspect TPS installations for defects, gaps, adhesion issues, and compliance to spec.
- Conduct rework and repairs on damaged TPS systems.
- Interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and process specs.
- Collaborate with engineering to refine installation processes and improve manufacturability.
- Maintain cleanroom or controlled environment standards where required.
- Document work performed and track hardware through build processes.
Required Qualifications
- Typically 5+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace manufacturing, composites, or TPS-related work.
- Experience working with ablative materials, adhesives, or high-temperature composites.
- Familiarity with precision hand tools, measuring equipment, and shop processes.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and work instructions.
- Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship mindset.
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.
Desired Qualifications
- Direct experience with thermal protection systems (tiles, blankets, or ablatives).
- Experience with bonding processes, including adhesive selection and cure cycles.
- Background in aerospace, defense, or high-performance automotive manufacturing.
- Experience working in cleanroom or controlled environments.
- Familiarity with NDI/inspection methods for bonded systems.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive manual tasks
- Comfortable working with PPE, respirators, and safety equipment as required
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.:
Pay and benefits
The California annual base salary for this role is currently $46 - $61. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.
ITAR Compliance
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Who We Are
Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pioneering advanced reentry technology to enable next-generation capabilities from space. By combining high-performance materials, precision aerodynamics, and mission-driven autonomy, Inversion is transforming reentry into an operational capability for an entirely new class of missions.
The company's highly maneuverable reentry spacecraft, Arc, is designed for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and other national security missions that require precise, controlled flight through the atmosphere. Arc creates an entirely new transportation domain, unlocking unprecedented speed and global reach.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, Inversion designs, manufactures, and integrates its spacecraft under one roof, enabling the company to move rapidly from concept to flight. The company is backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, with customers across the U.S. government and commercial space industry.
Equal opportunity and legal notices
Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a US Job Applicant see the CCPA Privacy Policy Notice for further details.
From Inversion's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on October 10, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.
How Rolev.ai helps with this application
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Common questions
What is the salary for the Senior TPS Technician role at Inversion?
The Senior TPS Technician posting at Inversion states compensation of $46 – $61 per hour. It is listed as a full-time position. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on Inversion's official career site.
Where is the Senior TPS Technician job at Inversion located?
This Senior TPS Technician position at Inversion is located in Playa Vista, CA (On-site). Always check Inversion's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.
What qualifications are required for Senior TPS Technician at Inversion?
For the Senior TPS Technician role, Inversion highlights 5+ years of relevant experience; experience with ablative materials, high-temperature composites, bonding and adhesive cure cycles, reading technical drawings. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.
How do I apply for the Senior TPS Technician position at Inversion?
This listing links directly to Inversion's Greenhouse application page. You can apply directly on Inversion's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Greenhouse application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.