Laboratory Operations Technician

Technician Position At Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL)

Join the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) team, where you'll contribute to groundbreaking innovations! We are seeking applicants for an entry-level Technician to join our team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Performs precision cleaning of flight hardware
• Maintains and certifies laboratory and cleanroom spaces to ISO14644 standards
• Launders and stocks cleanroom garments and consumables
• Performs visible cleanliness inspections per IEST-STD-CC1246E
• Executes work from drawings, travelers, and defined work instructions (e.g., QW0922)
• Ensures proper documentation, labeling, and traceability for all work performed
• Interfaces with personnel across departments as needed
• May assist in thermal-vacuum or other laboratory testing under supervision
• Samples flight hardware for cleanliness verification
• Supports other lab operations as needed

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to read and interpret technical schematics, drawings, and diagrams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Working knowledge of internal SDL systems (e.g., Jira, MMAPAS, Document Control)
• Working knowledge of laboratory and cleanroom operations, including environmental controls and contamination prevention
• Proficiency in handling, cleaning, and inspecting flight-grade hardware (e.g., solvent/aqueous cleaning, ultrasonic processing, optical inspection)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow defined procedures
• Ability to work effectively both individually and within a team environment
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms, legs, and the entire body, such as climbing, lifting (approximately 50 lbs.), balancing, walking, stopping, and handling of materials
• Ability to spend substantial time standing
• Ability to utilize visual acuity or reasonable accommodations and finger dexterity to work with small parts
• Ability to utilize hearing or reasonable accommodation to diagnose audible machine issues (e.g., pitch change, valve closure, end mil break, etc.)

*Salary Range $38,500 - $69,000 Salary commensurate based on education and experience

SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success. At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and deliver results.