Pressure Vessel Test Technician | On-site Opportunity | Quonset, RI | Fastwater Staffing

Location: Quonset, RI

Employment Type: Contract

Work Arrangement: On-site

Start Date: TBD

Compensation: TBD — based on skills and experience

Important Screening Requirements

• 4+ years of hands-on experience in testing, inspection, or manufacturing assembly.
• Experience with high-pressure testing, including hydrostatic or pneumatic testing, leak detection, or comparable quality-verification testing.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, engineering drawings, and detailed test plans.
• Mechanical aptitude with high-pressure systems, pumps, fittings, fluid manifolds, and instrumentation gauges.
• Strong attention to detail and procedural discipline.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance .

About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on Pressure Vessel Test Technician to operate and maintain a hydrostatic test chamber used to validate sealed vessels, housings, and pressurized components for advanced underwater systems.

This contract opportunity focuses on executing pressure tests, monitoring pressure data, identifying leaks and structural anomalies, and preparing accurate test documentation. You will work closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to verify that components meet engineering specifications before integration.

The ideal candidate will bring practical pressure-testing experience, strong mechanical aptitude, and a safety-first approach to operating high-pressure equipment and inspecting critical components.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a safety-conscious test technician with hands-on experience in hydrostatic or pneumatic testing, leak detection, and mechanical inspection.

The ideal candidate can independently prepare test setups, operate pressure-testing equipment, interpret gauges and sensor data, identify nonconforming conditions, and maintain accurate test records.

Strong candidates will combine technical testing skills with procedural discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with production, quality, and engineering teams. Experience in maritime, aerospace, defense, or subsea systems is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

Hydrostatic Testing & Pressure Validation

• Set up, operate, and monitor the hydrostatic test chamber.
• Perform pressure testing on sealed vessels, housings, and related components.
• Follow established procedures to reach specified proof pressures and maintain required dwell times.
• Monitor pressure decay and check for leaks throughout testing.
• Ensure testing is performed according to approved procedures and engineering requirements.

Test Setup & Fixturing

• Prepare test articles by installing fittings, plugs, seals, sensors, and fluid interfaces.
• Verify test fixtures and setups before pressurization.
• Maintain and stage testing fixtures, high-pressure tooling, and supporting hardware.
• Ensure test setups are properly configured before beginning each procedure.

Inspection & Anomaly Identification

• Visually inspect components before, during, and after testing.
• Identify leaks, seal degradation, weld flaws, structural anomalies, and other nonconformances.
• Document and isolate nonconforming conditions.
• Support investigations into failed components and help identify potential root causes.

Data Recording & Documentation

• Record test parameters, cycles, results, and observed conditions.
• Complete test logs, formal reports, and quality-system documentation.
• Interpret pressure gauges and sensor data to maintain test integrity.
• Ensure test results are accurate, traceable, and properly documented.

Equipment Maintenance & Safety

• Perform routine preventive maintenance on chambers, pumps, valves, high-pressure lines, and instrumentation.
• Identify equipment requiring repair, overhaul, or recalibration.
• Follow safety procedures for high-pressure pneumatic and hydrostatic operations.
• Maintain clean and organized test areas.
• Report process anomalies, equipment hazards, and other safety concerns.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Process Improvement

• Coordinate test schedules and communicate results to production, quality, and engineering teams.
• Support root-cause investigations for failed units.
• Provide technical feedback on recurring manufacturing issues and design considerations.
• Recommend improvements to test documentation, fixtures, cycle times, and chamber throughput.
• Help improve testing efficiency, consistency, and overall process reliability.

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of hands-on experience in testing, inspection, or manufacturing assembly.
• Experience with hydrostatic or pneumatic pressure testing, leak detection, or comparable quality-verification testing.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation, engineering drawings, and test plans.
• Strong attention to detail when executing procedures and recording empirical data.
• Mechanical aptitude with high-pressure systems, pumps, fittings, fluid manifolds, and instrumentation gauges.
• Effective written and verbal technical communication skills.
• Strong safety awareness and ability to follow detailed testing procedures.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in maritime, aerospace, or defense manufacturing .
• Experience with hydrostatic proof, leak, or burst testing of sealed electronic enclosures or pressure hulls.
• Familiarity with subsea robotics, AUVs, UUVs, or marine equipment .
• Current or previous Visual Testing (VT) or Penetrant Testing (PT) inspection credentials.
• Experience with ERP or MES platforms for work order tracking and test data logging.
• Current or previous overhead crane, rigging, or confined-space certifications.
• Technical certificate, trade diploma, or Associate degree in a relevant technical or mechanical field.