CNC Programmer, Development (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop, Northern (TX, KY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Texas is seeking a skilled fabrication technician to drive CNC mill programming and support rapid prototyping for Starlink production tooling.

You will read engineering drawings, operate mills, lathes, welding equipment, and assemble components while working with engineers to improve tooling and processes for high-volume production.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years of mechanical fabrication experience.
• Experience reading engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of GD&T preferred.
• Able to operate mills, lathes and welding equipment.

Responsibilities

• Drive CNC mill programming and operations to optimize efficiency and productivity.
• Spearhead the expansion of CNC capabilities to expedite product development cycles.
• Fabricate electromechanical production and test systems using a wide array of tools and equipment and collaborate with engineering to deliver solutions.
• Work with Mills, Lathes, welding, brakes, presses and other systems to fabricate components.
• Assemble complex integrated assemblies including mechanical precision components and wiring.
• Interpret drawings and build instructions to complete fabrication processes for tooling and equipment.
• Maintain safe, organized shop workflow and inventory of consumables and equipment.
• Promote 5S and prepare the workspace for efficient teamwork.
• Collaborate with engineering to develop unique tooling solutions.

Skills

CNC programming

Mechanical fabrication

Reading engineering drawings

GD&T

Welding

Electrical wiring basics

Independent problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Mills & lathes

Welding equipment

Electrical test equipment

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 of enabling human life on Mars.

SpaceX is developing a low-latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. The Starlink R&D team is responsible for the fabrication and assembly of prototype development, production tooling, and automation equipment for the rapidly growing Starlink consumer electronics business. Technicians work closely with the engineering team to execute high-impact projects that expand and improve the Starlink product assembly lines from early-stage development to the highest volume production capable systems at SpaceX.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drive CNC mill programming and operations to optimize efficiency and productivity
• Spearhead the expansion of CNC capabilities to expedite product development cycles
• Fabricate electromechanical production and test systems using a wide array of tools, machines, and equipment and collaborate with engineering to deliver solutions
• Work creatively to fabricate components using a wide range of equipment such as mills, lathes, welding, brakes, presses, and CNC processes
• Assemble complex integrated assemblies that may include mechanical precision assembly, high and low voltage wiring, and pneumatics
• Interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and build instructions to complete assembly and fabrication processes for critical tooling and equipment
• Maintain and support the operation of the development shop by enforcing proper workflow, safety, tidiness, and inventory control of consumables and equipment
• Perform and promote 5S principles of organizing and sustaining an efficient and presentable team work space
• Work creatively and innovate to support team goals by always being prepared to challenge the status quo and develop unique solutions

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical fabrication (component assembly, welding, machining, hand tools, etc.)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience reading mechanical and engineering drawings, working knowledge of GD&T
• Experience reading and interpreting fluid and electrical schematics
• Working knowledge of wiring best practices and safety standards
• Knowledge/experience with electromechanical systems (harness wiring, stepper motors, solenoids, pneumatics, actuators etc.)
• Able to work independently and problem solve efficiently with minimal supervision
• Positive attitude and experience working on a cross-functional team
• Willingness to provide constructive feedback to the engineering and production teams to improve tooling designs, processes, and parts
• Able to stay organized with strong attention to detail
• Proficient computer skills; comfortable with using email and the Microsoft Office suite

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to gain forklift certification
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• Must be willing to work overtime and weekends as required to support critical milestones
• 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 Affiant Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail] .

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