Facility Maintenance and Automation Technician

Job Description

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: Facility Maintenance and Automation Technician
This position will be a core asset to the facility department in support of Venus Aerospace. The Facility & Maintenance Technician will maintain, troubleshoot, and repair facility systems and manufacturing equipment with an emphasis on preventive maintenance and repair of automated CNC machinery. This role supports production uptime through planned maintenance, fast response to equipment issues, and documentation of work performed in a CMMS. The technician will also help ensure automated CNC systems operate safely, reliably, and efficiently.

What You’ll Get to Do

• Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on automated CNC machines
• Execute scheduled PM tasks (mechanical, electrical, and basic controls-related checks) to keep equipment running within spec
• Diagnose equipment faults and perform corrective repairs to restore production quickly
• Inspect and replace worn components (belts, couplings, linear guides, bearings, sensors, lubrication items, etc.)
• Verify machine operation after service (alignment, calibration checks, spindle/run tests, functional checks)
• Support continuous improvement by identifying recurring failures and suggesting corrective actions
• Maintain and troubleshoot facility systems
• Support maintenance of building/facility equipment such as HVAC, compressors, pumps, basic electrical, and facility utilities as assigned
• Assist with troubleshooting facility-related issues that affect production (power distribution, lighting, general equipment, compressed air systems, etc.)
• Coordinate vendor or internal resources when issues require specialized support
• Perform routine inspections and ensure equipment is maintained safely and effectively
• Use CMMS to manage maintenance work and documentation
• Create, update, and close work orders in the CMMS accurately and in a timely manner
• Record maintenance history, parts used, labor time, downtime causes, and technician notes
• Track PM completion, compliance, and upcoming due tasks
• Ensure documentation is complete to support audits, reliability tracking, and warranty/parts traceability
• Support automation, safety, and reliability standards
• Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) and safe work practices during all maintenance activities
• Adhere to electrical safety and machine safety procedures when troubleshooting automated systems
• Perform inspections of safety devices and interlocks when required (as applicable to role scope)
• Assist with machine readiness and safe startup/shutdown procedures after maintenance
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams
• Communicate with operators and production leadership regarding equipment status, downtime, and next steps
• Coordinate maintenance schedules with production to minimize disruption
• Provide feedback on reliability issues and suggest improvements to maintenance plans
• Support training or onboarding for other maintenance staff as needed

What You Have

• Minimum 3–5 years of facility maintenance experience
• Demonstrated hands-on experience maintaining industrial manufacturing equipment
• CNC machine preventive maintenance and repair experience
• Experience with troubleshooting common CNC-related issues (mechanical, pneumatic/hydraulic components, electrical components, and sensors)
• CMMS experience in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to create and update work orders, track PMs, and maintain maintenance records
• Technical aptitude
• Ability to read mechanical/electrical schematics, follow manuals/work instructions, and use standard diagnostic tools
• Safety and compliance
• Strong understanding of LOTO and safe maintenance practices

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills for industrial machinery
• Competency with hand tools, power tools, and standard measurement tools (multimeter, basic test equipment, etc.)
• Ability to work independently and make safe, sound decisions during repairs
• Strong mechanical and electrical fundamentals
• Time management and ability to prioritize multiple jobs based on production needs
• Clear communication and accurate documentation habits in CMMS

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and move around production environments for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry materials/tools as required by the role (within reasonable workplace limits)
• Ability to work at heights or in confined areas when necessary and safely permitted
• Ability to work in environments with industrial noise, dust, and varying temperatures

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience with automated CNC systems, robotics interfaces, conveyors, and/or automated load/unload systems
• Familiarity with common industrial control components (safety relays, sensors, proximity switches, drives, starters)
• Experience with predictive/reliability concepts (vibration checks, oil analysis awareness, root-cause troubleshooting)
• Basic proficiency with PLC/HMI concepts (within scope of maintenance troubleshooting)
• Experience supporting uptime and reliability programs (PM optimization, failure trending, spare parts planning)

Location: On-site in Houston, TX

Benefits: Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex-Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with possible overtime based on production schedules and downtime needs. Some roles may include on-call coverage depending on facility requirements.

ITAR Requirements

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (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). You can learn more about ITAR   here.

Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please email  View email address on ziprecruiter.com or call View phone number on ziprecruiter.com.This email and phone number were created exclusively to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes, such as following up on an application, third party staffing agencies, website technical issues, or any other issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Messages will be returned within five business days.

For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.