Mechanical Technician

Job Title: Mechanical Technician III - Hydraulic Systems & Structural Testing


Location: Redondo Beach, CA 90278 ( Onsite)
Employment Type: contract role


About the Role


We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Technician III to support the assembly, operation, maintenance, and testing of hydraulic and mechanical systems used in structural and developmental hardware testing. In this role, you will work with cross-functional engineering and test teams to perform structural load, pressure, and hydraulic testing while ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and operational excellence.


The ideal candidate is a self-motivated professional who can work independently or collaboratively, interpret technical documentation, troubleshoot complex mechanical systems, and contribute to the successful execution of test programs.


Responsibilities

• Assemble, install, configure, and operate hydraulic power units (HPUs), manifolds, accumulators, and servo/proportional valve systems.
• Install, align, bleed, troubleshoot, and maintain hydraulic cylinders and actuators.
• Select, route, secure, and maintain hydraulic hoses and fittings, including NPT, JIC, ORFS, and AN connections.
• Set up and operate structural test equipment, including load frames, reaction structures, test fixtures, and custom fixturing.
• Instrument test articles using strain gauges, load cells, LVDTs, pressure transducers, and flow sensors.
• Perform basic electrical and instrumentation tasks, including wiring, resistance measurements, functional checks, and troubleshooting.
• Configure and operate closed-loop force and displacement control systems according to established procedures and safety requirements.
• Execute proof, hydrostatic, pressure-decay, and structural load tests while monitoring and documenting test parameters.
• Perform tube and line fabrication, including cutting, bending, flaring, and assembly.
• Support contamination control, filtration processes, and hydraulic fluid cleanliness requirements.
• Conduct leak detection, corrective maintenance, mechanical repairs, and basic metal fabrication activities.
• Operate overhead cranes, forklifts, and other material-handling equipment to safely move and position test hardware.
• Utilize computer-based test control, data acquisition, and reporting systems to document test activities and results.
• Follow established safety procedures for high-pressure hydraulic systems, lockout/tagout (LOTO), personal protective equipment (PPE), and hazardous operations.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and test personnel to ensure successful test execution and equipment readiness.
• Support flexible work schedules, including alternate shifts, weekends, and off-hours when required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent practical experience.
• 4+ years of experience in mechanical technician, hydraulic systems, structural testing, or related technical roles.
• Experience interpreting blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, work instructions, and engineering documentation.
• Experience working with hydraulic systems, mechanical assemblies, or structural testing environments.
• Ability to lift, move, and position materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in laboratory, manufacturing, high-bay, cleanroom, and testing environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with servo-hydraulic testing systems, closed-loop control systems, and data acquisition platforms.
• Experience with LabVIEW or similar test and measurement software.
• Experience installing strain gauges and supporting calibration of load, pressure, and displacement instrumentation.
• Experience working with developmental, aerospace, or flight hardware in controlled environments.
• Experience with mechanical repair, fabrication, machining, or maintenance activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Key Skills

• Hydraulic Systems
• Structural Testing
• Mechanical Assembly
• Troubleshooting & Repair
• Instrumentation
• Data Acquisition
• Blueprint & Schematic Interpretation
• Process & Safety Compliance
• Root Cause Analysis
• Team Collaboration

Medical, dental, and vision insurance are available to qualified candidates who meet eligibility requirements.