Spacecraft Test Technicians

Spacecraft test technicians work both indoors (in design shops, research laboratories, and manufacturing and testing facilities) and outdoors (at launch pads and testing facilities). Since research and testing facilities and launch pads are located in several states, they may have to travel to conduct tests or perform other duties.

Work conditions can be noisy, busy, often stressful, and sometimes dangerous. Technicians are well-trained to perform effectively in these conditions, and they wear safety gear (e.g., protective eyewear and earwear, fire-resistant clothing) to stay safe on the job.

Some technicians have a standard 9:00-to-5:00, Monday-Friday schedule, while others work weekend or night shifts. Technicians who perform duties that are related to a spacecraft launch are tied to the time requirements of that launch. They may need to work for 12 or more hours straight to ensure that the spacecraft is ready for launch. Some launches may occur at night or in the early morning, which requires that technicians be on hand.