Facility Maintenance and Automation Technician

About Venus Aerospace

Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion with its proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets, delivering historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. The company builds next‑generation propulsion platforms for space, defense, and commercial high‑speed flight, and seeks bold engineers and innovators to redefine the future of propulsion.

About the Role

The Facility Maintenance and Automation Technician is a core asset to the facility department, responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing facility systems and manufacturing equipment with an emphasis on preventive maintenance of automated CNC machinery. The role supports production uptime through planned maintenance, rapid response to equipment issues, and thorough documentation in a CMMS.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on automated CNC machines.
• Execute scheduled PM tasks (mechanical, electrical, and basic controls checks) to keep equipment within spec.
• Diagnose equipment faults and perform corrective repairs to restore production quickly.
• Inspect and replace worn components such as belts, couplings, linear guides, bearings, sensors, and lubrication items.
• Verify machine operation after service (alignment, calibration checks, spindle/run tests, functional checks).
• Support continuous improvement by identifying recurring failures and suggesting corrective actions.
• Maintain and troubleshoot facility systems, including HVAC, compressors, pumps, basic electrical, and utilities as assigned.
• Assist with troubleshooting facility‑related issues that affect production (power distribution, lighting, general equipment, compressed air systems, etc.).
• Coordinate vendor or internal resources when specialized support is required.
• Perform routine inspections to ensure equipment is maintained safely and effectively.
• Use the CMMS to create, update, and close work orders accurately and in a timely manner.
• Record maintenance history, parts used, labor time, downtime causes, and technician notes.
• Track PM completion, compliance, and upcoming due tasks.
• Ensure documentation supports audits, reliability tracking, and warranty/parts traceability.
• Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) and safe work practices during all maintenance activities.
• Adhere to electrical safety and machine safety procedures when troubleshooting automated systems.
• Inspect safety devices and interlocks as required.
• Assist with machine readiness and safe startup/shutdown procedures after maintenance.
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams.
• Communicate equipment status, downtime, and next steps to operators and production leadership.
• Coordinate maintenance schedules with production to minimize disruption.
• Provide feedback on reliability issues and suggest improvements to maintenance plans.
• Support training or onboarding for other maintenance staff as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum 3–5 years of facility maintenance experience.
• Hands‑on experience maintaining industrial manufacturing equipment.
• CNC machine preventive maintenance and repair experience.
• Experience troubleshooting common CNC‑related issues (mechanical, pneumatic/hydraulic, electrical, sensors).
• CMMS experience in a manufacturing environment, including work‑order creation, PM tracking, and record‑keeping.
• Ability to read mechanical/electrical schematics, follow manuals/work instructions, and use standard diagnostic tools.
• Strong understanding of LOTO and safe maintenance practices.

Qualifications & Skills

• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills for industrial machinery.
• Competency with hand tools, power tools, and measurement tools (multimeter, basic test equipment, etc.).
• Ability to work independently and make safe, sound decisions during repairs.
• Solid mechanical and electrical fundamentals.
• Effective time management and ability to prioritize multiple jobs based on production needs.
• Clear communication and accurate documentation habits in CMMS.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, and move around production environments for extended periods.
• Capability to lift and carry materials/tools within reasonable workplace limits.
• Willingness to work at heights or in confined areas when safely permitted.
• Comfort working in environments with industrial noise, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Preferred: Experience with automated CNC systems, robotics interfaces, conveyors, or automated load/unload systems.
• Preferred: Familiarity with industrial control components (safety relays, sensors, proximity switches, drives, starters).
• Preferred: Experience with predictive/reliability concepts (vibration checks, oil analysis awareness, root‑cause troubleshooting).
• Preferred: Basic proficiency with PLC/HMI concepts for maintenance troubleshooting.
• Preferred: Experience supporting uptime and reliability programs (PM optimization, failure trending, spare parts planning).

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Stock options
• Medical benefits, including dental and vision coverage
• Flex‑Friday flexible schedule
• Unlimited PTO
• Professional development opportunities

Work Schedule

Full‑time position based on‑site in Houston, TX. May require overtime based on production schedules and downtime needs, and some roles include on‑call coverage depending on facility requirements.

ITAR Requirements

This position involves access to technology subject to U.S. export controls. Employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to comply with ITAR regulations. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise able to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.