Cryogenic Turbomachinery Assembly and Test Specialist

Cryogenic Turbomachinery Assembly and Test Specialist A day in this role

Morning starts with reviewing a new build packet: you scan the P&ID, pull the router, gather calibrated gauges, fixtures, materials, and drawings. After verifying parts cleanliness and fit, you carry out precise interference fits, then assemble to the required test level. By midday, you've built and certified a test loop with engineering and the Lead Technician, run hydrostatic checks, and logged results on the router—capturing any failure modes. The afternoon turns to long-shaft or overhung balancing, collaborating with engineers to validate interfaces and fine-tune the setup. If something is off, you troubleshoot, make the change, retest per plan, then package the unit for the next operation—always safeguarding quality from start to finish.

About Barber‑Nichols

Barber‑Nichols (BN) designs and manufactures custom turbomachinery that powers the Defense, Aerospace, Cryogenics, and Energy sectors. We partner with top-tier customers to push boundaries, foster long-term relationships, and deliver mission-critical hardware. If you want to grow with a supportive team that recognizes your impact, BN is a great fit.

What you will own

• Build and test custom/low-volume turbomachinery for defense, space, and aerospace applications—serving as a focal point from component assembly through final test support.
• Work across cryogenic pumps, single-ended pumps, fans, and Welco products.
• Execute simple and complex balance activities (including long-shaft and overhung), perform simple hydrostatic pressure tests, and conduct interference fits.
• Interpret P&IDs, routers, drawings, and work instructions to set up workstations correctly and meet specification/quality requirements.
• Evaluate parts for cleanliness; inspect for nonconformities; document findings and generate Primary Material Reviews (PMRs) for resolution before proceeding.
• Build test loops in accordance with documentation; certify setups with engineering and the Lead Technician to ensure proper integration and quality controls.
• Run tests per procedure, record outcomes on routers, identify failure modes, and partner with mentors to troubleshoot equipment settings, setup, and interfaces.
• Implement necessary changes or modifications and retest per the plan; package and route product to the next step.
• Complete all documentation accurately, including signing routers, recording time, and keeping weekly time entries current.
• Verify inspection gauges are in calibration; if overdue, coordinate with Quality for calibration.

Collaboration and communication

• Engage cross-functionally to ensure data and information flow effectively to meet customer and organizational objectives.
• Report daily safety, quality, delivery, and cost issues in work status meetings.
• Provide feedback to Assembly & Test Engineering so recommended changes in work instructions and drawings are captured in the next revision.

Quality, safety, and compliance

• Locate and follow relevant QMS procedures; stay current on changes.
• Participate in root-cause analysis to address safety and quality issues.
• Comply with all safety procedures and use appropriate PPE.

Continuous improvement and equipment care

• Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost; elevate ideas to the Assembly & Test Manager.
• Contribute on CI teams and sustain 5S within the department.
• Perform assigned preventive maintenance to protect equipment integrity.
• Perform any required hydrostatic tests and support gauge calibration activities.

Qualifications Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3 years of electro‑mechanical technical experience in manufacturing, engineering, or R&D.
• Exposure to facilities and equipment maintenance.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed.
• Occasional travel up to 5%.

Preferred

• Two‑year technical degree in engineering technology, electronics, or a related field.
• Background with high/low voltage, electronics, plumbing, PLCs, HVAC, instrumentation, hydraulics, and pneumatics.

Technical proficiencies

• HVAC
• Electrical troubleshooting
• Soldering
• Hydraulics
• Manufacturing environment experience

Compensation and benefits

The hourly range for this role is $26/hr. - $32/hr. This range represents the anticipated minimum and maximum base bonus for this position based upon a good faith and reasonable estimate. Final compensation will be based on your qualifications and may fall outside the range depending on circumstances.

Explore our benefits: 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 and eligibility

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.