Step into Precision: A Day in the Life

At Barber‑Nichols (BN), we design and build custom turbomachinery for defense, space, cryogenics, and energy. You’ll join a tight‑knit team that partners with world‑class customers and celebrates growth, craftsmanship, and results.

As a Precision Turbomachinery Assembly & Test Specialist, you will shepherd one‑of‑a‑kind hardware from components through final test. Your day blends hands‑on assembly, rotor balancing, functional testing, and collaboration with engineers to improve designs and processes.

What your day looks like

• Kick off by reviewing the manufacturing router, drawings, and work instructions; gather tools, materials, and documents to set up your station correctly.
• Read and interpret basic P&IDs to plan build and test setups; build the test loop per documentation and certify it with engineering and the Lead Technician.
• Work across cryogenic pumps, single‑ended pumps, fans, and Welco product lines.
• Prepare parts: verify cleanliness, clean as needed, and inspect for nonconformities; document findings and open a Primary Material Review (PMR) if required.
• Assemble to the appropriate level for each test; perform interference fits, simple hydrostatic pressure checks, and basic balance operations.
• Support test execution following procedures; record results on the router and document failure modes when observed.
• Troubleshoot failed tests alongside a mentor: confirm setup integrity, equipment settings, and interfaces; implement changes and retest per plan.
• Complete long‑shaft and overhung balancing as needed; conduct any hydrostatic tests and verify inspection gages are in calibration (turn in any that are overdue).
• Package and route finished hardware to the next step while safeguarding quality at every handoff.

How you collaborate

• Partner with Assembly & Test Engineers to refine drawings and work instructions for the next revision.
• Surface daily safety, quality, delivery, and cost items in stand‑up meetings to keep the team aligned with customer needs.

Safety and quality leadership

• Locate and follow relevant Quality Management System (QMS) procedures and stay current with updates.
• Join root‑cause analysis efforts to permanently solve issues affecting people or product.
• Use proper PPE and follow safety procedures consistently.

Continuous improvement mindset

• Identify opportunities to enhance safety, quality, delivery, and cost; elevate ideas to the Assembly & Test Manager.
• Participate on CI teams; uphold 5S; perform assigned preventive maintenance to protect equipment health.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years of electro‑mechanical technical experience in manufacturing, engineering, or R&D, with exposure to facilities/equipment maintenance.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed; rare travel up to 5%.

Preferred

• Two‑year technical degree (engineering technology, electronics, or related field).
• Hands‑on experience with high/low voltage, electronics, plumbing, PLCs, HVAC, instrumentation, hydraulics, and pneumatics.

Proficiencies

• HVAC
• Electrical troubleshooting
• Soldering
• Hydraulics
• Working in a manufacturing environment

Compensation and benefits

The hourly range for this role is $26/hr. - $32/hr. This range represent the anticipated minimum and maximum base + bonus for this position based upon a good faith and reasonable estimate. The final compensation for this position will be set based on the applicant’s qualifications (education, training and/or experience related to this role), and therefore, may fall outside the range shown, depending on the circumstances.

To view our benefits provided please visit Careers | Barber-Nichols.

*Barber Nichols anticipates the application window closing approximately 30 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require Barber Nichols to shorten or extend the application window.*

Legal

ITAR Requirements:
To conform to U.S. Government commercial space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), applicants for employment at Barber-Nichols must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the U.S. (i.e., current green card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1157-1158.
Security clearance is not required for this position

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Barber-Nichols is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by law.

Why BN

Join a team that recognizes achievements, supports your development, and partners with customers at the forefront of their industries.