Apprentice Controls Technician

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; McGregor (TX); On-site; USD 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Apprentice Controls Technician to assist in building and maintaining data and control systems for spaceflight hardware. You will calibrate and test instrumentation, lay out electrical harnesses, and troubleshoot sensor systems such as transducers and thermocouples.

The role requires hands-on wiring, soldering, and the ability to read schematics and planning documents. Expect variable shifts, site access, and the chance to contribute to critical flight hardware.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent in instrumentation or related field.
• Experience with instrumentation such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, and flow meters or oscilloscopes.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, calibrate, configure, monitor and test instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Investigate and document instrumentation malfunctions and corrective actions.
• Assemble, modify, and repair electrical and electronic units and wiring harnesses.
• Perform wire terminations and verify sensor health for transducers and sensors.
• Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, and wiring diagrams.

Skills

Instrumentation

Control systems

Electrical wiring

Data acquisition

Soldering

Oscilloscope

Multimeter

Crimping tools

Schematics reading

Documentation

Education

Associate's degree in instrumentation or related field

Tools

Oscilloscope

Multimeter

Soldering equipment

Crimping tools

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal ofenabling human life on Mars.

APPRENTICE CONTROLS TECHNICIAN

The apprentice controls technician will support the build-up and maintenance of our data and control systems. These systems consist of varying data acquisition and control hardware, wiring and interface harnesses, and a wide variety of instrumentation. The goal of this team is to meet a variety of test requirements to achieve safe, economical, and reliable access to space.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain, calibrate, configure, monitor, test, troubleshoot, install, and repair instrumentation, process controls, data acquisition systems, and electrical systems
• Investigate, diagnose, correct, and document instrumentation or system malfunctions
• Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electrical and electronic units, assemblies, components, parts, equipment, and systems
• Perform wire terminations to a variety of instruments and verify sensor health: pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, limits, and flow meters
• Adjust, calibrate, align, and modify circuitry and components, and record effects on unit performance
• Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's degree in instrumentation, control technology, electrical systems or related field
• Experience working with instrumentation such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, flow meters, multimeters, or oscilloscopes (experience from college program counts)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with any of the following instrumentation: resistance temperature devices (RTDs), silicon diode temperature devices, strain gauges, load cells, displacement transducers, pressure transducers, thermocouples, and flow meters (turbine, coriolis, and ultrasonic)
• IPC 620 spec for harness assembly
• Basic knowledge of Wheatstone Bridge Theory, ability to apply Ohm's Law, and an understanding of DC electronics
• Operational knowledge of an oscilloscope and multi-meter, soldering wires and connectors, operation of various crimping tools, wire stripping, continuity testing, pinning out a military type connector, routing and tie wrapping cables, drilling and tapping holes, and building junction boxes
• System-level troubleshooting skills and the ability to logically solve instrumentation system problems and determine corrective action
• Experience with Variable Frequency Drives and motor starters, and knowledge in troubleshooting
• Knowledge in signal conditioning concepts for various types of sensors, to include the following: thermocouple Types K, S, and E; TC bonding concepts: resistance weld on and adhesive bond on types; TC probes through thermowell sheaths; cold junction compensation concepts
• Background should include experience with the following devices: DC power supplies, DC-DC convertors, UPS installations, heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, lacing, and proper strain relief concepts
• Working knowledge of transducers, operational amplifiers, and the knowledge of measurement techniques for temperature, pressure, flow, displacement, vibration, and the application of strain gauges are also highly desired. Ability to identify required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications
• Working knowledge of multiple bus architectures (PCI/PCIe, PXI/PXIe, GPIB, Serial, USB, etc.) and data communication technologies
• Demonstrated capabilities in the development of comprehensive project plans that include all tasks, stage/gate milestones, and reviews necessary to successfully develop and implement solutions
• Knowledge in data acquisition concepts, hardware, and interfacing (SCXI and PXI-based)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Role may require extended hours, weekend work and shift schedules, that vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required
• Ability to lift heavy objects is required in this position, up to 50 pounds unassisted
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand over hand
• Ability to work at elevated heights
• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary – up to 10%
• Valid driver's license
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affimative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail].