Purge Technician

Title:

Position Summary

KBR is seeking a Purge Technician to support NASA flight hardware, spacecraft integration and test activities, and ground support operations at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The successful candidate will provide hands-on technical support for gas purge systems, pressure vessels, pressurized systems (PVS), flight purge equipment, and associated hardware used to maintain contamination control and environmental requirements for flight projects.

This position supports the fabrication, assembly, maintenance, testing, operation, certification, and refurbishment of purge equipment and pressure systems while ensuring compliance with NASA standards, safety requirements, and contamination control protocols. The Purge Technician will work closely with engineers, project teams, contamination control personnel, quality assurance personnel, and NASA customers throughout all phases of spacecraft integration and testing activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Support flight hardware purge operations during spacecraft assembly, integration, testing, transportation, storage, and launch preparation activities.
• Assemble, install, operate, troubleshoot, maintain, and refurbish purge systems, purge suitcases, hoses, regulators, valves, gauges, and associated support equipment.
• Perform leak testing, pressure testing, flow verification, and operational checkout of purge systems and components.
• Support certification and recertification activities for purge equipment and ground pressure systems.
• Assist with inventory management, calibration tracking, and maintenance scheduling of purge equipment and pressure system assets.
• Maintain purge logs, certification documentation, test records, and operational reports.
• Support contamination control activities and ensure compliance with cleanroom requirements.
• Assist engineering personnel with design improvements, component replacement, and sustainment activities for purge systems.
• Support development and execution of procedures, work instructions, and operational checklists.
• Participate in troubleshooting and root cause investigations involving purge systems and pressure equipment.
• Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with NASA, GSFC, OSHA, and KBR safety requirements.
• Coordinate with project engineers, system owners, quality personnel, and customers to support mission and project schedules.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 10 years of experience supporting mechanical, aerospace, pressure system, industrial gas, pneumatic, or related technical operations.
• Experience working with gas delivery systems, pressure regulators, valves, tubing, fittings, or pressurized equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, assembly instructions, and operating procedures.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience using hand tools, test equipment, and troubleshooting methods.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and records.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to obtain and maintain NASA site access.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and work in laboratory, cleanroom, and industrial environments.

Desired Qualifications

• Associates Degree or 14 years of experience in lieu of education.
• Experience supporting NASA, aerospace, defense, or flight hardware programs.

• Knowledge of NASA-STD-8719.17, GPR 8710.3, ASME pressure system standards, or related industry requirements.
• Experience operating high-pressure gas systems and supporting pressure vessel or pressure system activities.
• Previous certification as a High Pressure Operator or equivalent qualification.
• Experience supporting contamination-controlled or cleanroom operations.
• Familiarity with leak detection, pressure testing, flow measurement, and instrumentation.
• Experience supporting spacecraft integration and test activities.
• Knowledge of configuration management, quality assurance, and safety compliance processes. 

Working Conditions

• Work will primarily be performed at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
• May require support during off-shift operations, critical project milestones, transportation events, environmental testing, and launch campaigns.
• Occasional overtime and weekend support may be required to meet mission schedules.
• Work may occur in cleanrooms, laboratories, high bays, and other controlled environments.

Preferred Competencies

• Safety-focused mindset.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing project priorities.
• Commitment to quality, mission success, and customer satisfaction.
• Ability to support multiple flight projects concurrently.

Basic Compensation:

Jobs on this contract range from $97,300.00- $146,000.00.  Pay range is specific to the Greenbelt, MD area.

The offered rate will be based on the position, contract affordability, the selected candidate’s working location, knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

 KBR Benefits:​ 

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule.  We support career advancement through professional training and development.​ 

Click here to learn more:  KBR Benefits | KBR 

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture.  These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company.  That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together. 

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.