R&D Maintenance Technician II Duration:6 months with possible extension Location: Redmond, WA
Position Overview As an R&D Maintenance Technician II on the Leo DevOps Equipment Team, you'll perform corrective and preventive maintenance on mission-critical R&D test equipment — including thermal vacuum chambers, environmental test systems, and specialized aerospace testing platforms that are foundational to Leo satellite development programs. Working semi-autonomously with minimal oversight, you'll install and commission functional test equipment and execute full life cycle maintenance on mechanical, electrical, and control systems. You'll troubleshoot moderate to high-complexity technical issues, evaluate equipment deficiencies, complete risk assessments, and drive corrective actions that sustain maximum uptime and performance. You'll anticipate infrastructure needs, coordinate change management activities, train less experienced peers and deliver process improvement feedback to site leadership — ensuring lab environments remain reliable, safe, and scalable. This role is a key contributor to the operational readiness of test infrastructure supporting current and next-generation satellite development efforts. Key Responsibilities
Independently execute preventive and corrective maintenance on specialized R&D equipment
Commission and operate test equipment with little to no oversight while training junior technicians
Perform functional checks, moderate to advanced troubleshooting and root-cause failure analysis on specialty development test equipment
Identify, procure and maintain an inventory of single point failure critical spare parts
Work in challenging environments, timelines and circumstances while solving electro-mechanical problems
Troubleshoot moderate to advanced complexity mechanical and electrical issues without established procedures, job plans and safety documents
Help create comprehensive equipment maintenance procedures, job plans and safety documents
Have an advanced understanding of liquid/gaseous nitrogen systems, chilled water systems and high-pressure systems - plus their applications inside the facility
Identify electrical and other utility requirements dictated by equipment manufacturer
Review dashboards, complete assigned work orders, help create daily work plans and provide detailed updates to a wide audience
Coordinate with vendors and partner teams as maintenance operations contact
Mentor and train less experienced technicians in day-to-day operations, maintenance techniques and safe application of skills
Maintain high standards for lab safety, data cleanliness, and documentation practices
Operate critical infrastructure independently, efficiently and safely
Assist with risk assessments and process improvements, participate in 6S/Kaizen programs and maintain our consumable/critical parts inventory
Document technical/procedural problems with appropriate detail, conceptualize solutions and present your ideas to peers and leadership – receive critical feedback positively with a lifelong learning mindset
Basic Qualifications
3+ years electrical, mechanical and/or HVAC experience in critical infrastructure – or technical school certification equivalent and 1+ years of equivalent experience
Applied competency with hand, diagnostic and precision measuring tools
High attention to detail while maintaining high quality standards
Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and control systems
Troubleshooting experience using procedures, technical documentation, and drawings
Demonstrated capability reading and interpreting technical prints and schematics
Experience using operational dashboards and following standard operating procedures
Computer literacy with Windows and MS applications
High school or equivalent diploma
Note: A practical test will help evaluate the candidate for some of the listed basic qualifications. Preferred Qualifications
1+ years experience in detailed operations or maintenance of vacuum chamber, thermal chamber or vibration table equipment
1+ years experience in an aerospace development lab
4+ years of electrical or mechanical experience in an aerospace development lab
Physical Requirements
Regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds; and participate in group lifts for 41+ pounds
Working in cramped and/or elevated locations
Bending, lifting, stretching, and reaching
Standing and walking for up to 8+ hours a day
Ascending and descending ladders, stairs, and gangways safely and without limitation
Work in a noisy environment
Work shifts longer than 8 hours to support emergency maintenance situations
Applicant Notices & Disclaimers
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At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws.This position's pay range is $59.00/hr - $60.00/hr.
