Materials Tester / Laboratory Technician (all genders)

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

THE WHY

We build pressure vessels and carbon structures for spaceflight. Every design decision rests on test data — and that data starts with you: from a flawless specimen through a clean test run to a fully traceable dataset. Your work helps decide whether our hardware flies.

THE WHAT

You manufacture test specimens, run test campaigns independently, and document everything without gaps. And you help shape the lab: new test fixtures, better methods, smarter workflows. This is not pure execution — you make the test lab more capable, step by step.

Your tasks in detail:

• Manufacture test specimens: Cutting, milling/grinding, finishing, and conditioning — to standard, within tolerance, documented per specimen. Your specimens are test-ready, no rework needed. → High Performance: Dimensions and geometry are right. Every time.
• Run tests: You operate mechanical test machines (tension, compression, bending), set up clamping fixtures, and run test campaigns independently and properly. → Accountability: Your test run, your responsibility.
• Report anomalies immediately: Geometry deviations, unusual machine behavior, outliers — you flag it right away and note it in the test protocol. No questionable test run continues in silence. → Candor: You say what you see. Immediately.
• Document without gaps: Specimen IDs, test parameters, machine status, raw data — fully recorded and traceable. Calipers, micrometers, and the test protocol are your daily tools. → Accountability: Every specimen is uniquely traceable. No open entries.
• Work closely with test engineers: Requirements from test planning flow into your specimen preparation and test setup — with clear handover and feedback per campaign. → Togetherness: Campaigns succeed as a team.
• Co-develop methods and fixtures: A new clamping setup, a fixture for a new specimen geometry, automating a preparation step — you bring your own ideas and implement them. → Playfulness: Shape the work, don't just execute it.

YOUR PROFILE

• Training: Completed vocational training as a materials tester (Werkstoffprüfer), test technician, lab technician, machinist with lab exposure, or comparable technical training.
• Specimen preparation practice: Experience in cutting and mechanical machining (milling, grinding, finishing) — from work, vocational training, or an internship.
• Test machines: You've worked with mechanical test machines (universal testing machines, tension/compression/bending) — or you have the technical aptitude to learn fast.
• Precision: Standard-compliant use of measuring tools and documentation is second nature — dimensional accuracy and complete protocols are your default, not an extra.
• Hands-on skill: You set up and modify test fixtures and experimental setups yourself — and enjoy it.
• Languages: German at B2 minimum (work instructions, test protocols, team coordination). Basic English (A2/B1) is sufficient — for standards and technical terms.
• On-site: This role lives in the lab and at the test bench — fully on-site in Taufkirchen, home office only very limited.
• Nice to have: Experience with composites (CFRP/GFRP) or metal machining (Al, Ti); basic data evaluation (Excel, possibly Python/MATLAB); optical metrology (GOM/Keyence, DIC).

WHAT WE OFFER

• Real space hardware: Your test data flows directly into design and qualification — visible results, not routine lab work
• Shape the work, don't just execute: Modern test equipment, short paths, and room to develop methods and fixtures yourself
• Startup mindset meets aerospace innovation: Flat hierarchies, fast decisions, and space for your ideas
• Choose your own benefit: Germany ticket, Egym Wellpass, or a tax-free Give Card
• Healthy & social lunch culture: Enjoy fresh meals during shared lunch breaks
• Stunning views: Rooftop terrace with Alpine views in Taufkirchen
• We live our team culture: From tech talks to team events and after-work gatherings – we celebrate success together

About us

Blackwave designs, manufactures and ships flight-qualified, commercial off-the-shelf composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) for launch vehicles and satellites. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, the company delivers COPVs from a standardized portfolio with flight heritage. The approach reduces lead time from months to days while ensuring that each tank is qualified and flight-ready. Blackwave's mission is to end COPV failure in spaceflight. The company employs more than 150 people across manufacturing facilities in Germany and Texas.

More information at Blackwave.com and the procurement platform COPV.com.