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Environmental Testing Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Design, develop, specify, and maintain ground support hardware and software required for HET functional, performance, and environmental testing including vacuum chambers, vacuum pumps, gas flow ...

New

Design, develop, specify, and maintain ground support hardware and software required for HET functional, performance, and environmental testing including vacuum chambers, vacuum pumps, gas flow ...

New

Design, develop, specify, and maintain ground support hardware and software required for HET functional, performance, and environmental testing including vacuum chambers, vacuum pumps, gas flow ...

The immediate role of the Hardware Test Engineer will be to support testing of the payload hardware in the lab environment. While playing with all this hardware on a bench, you'll probably need to ...

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Environmental Testing information

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$5

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How much do environmental testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental testing in Washington, DC is $26.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.96 and $31.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an environmental testing?

An Environmental Testing job involves assessing air, water, soil, and other environmental factors to identify contamination, pollutants, or hazards. Professionals in this field collect samples, conduct laboratory analyses, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. They often work for government agencies, private labs, or consulting firms to help maintain public health and ecological safety.

What does an environmental testing professional do?

A typical day in Environmental Testing often involves collecting field samples, conducting laboratory analyses, and documenting findings in detailed reports. Environmental testers frequently travel to various sites to gather soil, water, or air samples, then return to a lab to analyze results using specialized equipment. Collaboration with scientists, project managers, and regulatory agencies is common, as is interpreting test data to ensure compliance with environmental standards. This role is dynamic and can involve both indoor lab work and outdoor fieldwork, offering diverse experiences and challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for environmental testing?

To thrive in Environmental Testing, you need a solid background in environmental science or chemistry, attention to detail, and strong analytical skills, usually supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, sampling techniques, and regulatory compliance systems such as EPA protocols or ISO standards is essential. Effective communication, organization, and teamwork help professionals manage client expectations and collaborate on investigations. These skills are crucial for producing accurate data, meeting regulatory requirements, and ensuring public and environmental safety.

What does environmental testing do?

Environmental testing involves analyzing samples such as air, water, soil, or materials to assess their safety, quality, and compliance with environmental standards. Environmental testing technicians use specialized equipment and follow protocols to identify contaminants, pollutants, or hazards, supporting environmental protection and regulatory compliance.
Infographic showing various Environmental Testing job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,144 per year, or $27 per hour.

Environmental Test Technician II/III

Rocket Lab Corporation

Silver Spring, MD

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SPACE SYSTEMS 

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. 

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.  

ENVIRONMENTAL TEST TECHNICIAN II/III

As an Aerospace Technician based at Rocket Lab's site in Silver Spring, Maryland, you will have the opportunity to support the development and testing of cutting-edge spaceflight hardware, including separation systems, on-orbit devices, and other electro-mechanical deployables. In this role, you will perform environmental testing of aerospace mechanisms and assist with the operation, inspection, and maintenance of spaceflight hardware and test fixtures. To be successful in this role, you must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively. Join a driven team that's tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Environmental Test Technician II or Environmental Test Technician III level.)

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Perform environmental testing of aerospace mechanisms using established procedures. Tests include static load, thermal vacuum, benchtop operation, separation, shock, and vibration.
  • Operate spaceflight hardware and test fixtures using data acquisition systems and established procedures.
  • Attach and remove components on spaceflight hardware.
  • Inspect mechanical and electrical components after test completion.
  • Perform maintenance on test fixtures.
  • Generate ideas for potential process improvements.
  • Assist with non-conformance investigations.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL TEST TECHNICIAN III:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • 2+ years of experience in aerospace environmental testing
  • Understanding basic electronic circuitry.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL TEST TECHNICIAN II:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • 5+ years of experience in aerospace environmental testing
  • Understanding basic electronic circuitry.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Associates or bachelors degree
  • 8+ years of experience in aerospace environmental testing
  • Proficient with electronic circuitry

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Stand and walk for entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces
  • Climb ladders and work at elevated height small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas as needed
  • Perform repetitive motions including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping
  • Use hands with precision to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment
  • Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 25 lbs.
  • Work in varied environments including production floors, equipment areas, and field locations with exposure to noise, temperature variations, and moving machinery
  • Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require.

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