Controls Technician (Starship Launch Pad)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX seeks a Controls Technician for the Starship Launch Pad to read and interpret plans, install and verify sensors, transmitters, wiring, and power for ground systems. You will work with launch engineers to troubleshoot issues and maintain wiring racks and electrical cabinets.

The role requires experience with electrical control systems, instrumentation, and the ability to fabricate and assemble components in a demanding launch environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent in instrumentation, control technology, electrical systems, or related field.
• Experience with designing, installing, or troubleshooting electrical control systems.
• Knowledge of data acquisition concepts and sensor conditioning.

Responsibilities

• Read, interpret, and apply planning documents, schematics, datasheets, and drawings.
• Adjust, repair or replace faulty ground hardware, test and integration equipment.
• Fabricate and install parts and systems for launch environments using hand and power tools.
• Connect and verify sensors and wiring, including transducers and connectors.

Skills

PLC hardware

HMI/GUI

Electrical troubleshooting

Instrumentation knowledge

Electrical safety

Education

Associate degree in instrumentation/controls/electrical systems

Tools

Fluke multimeters

Oscilloscopes

DC power supplies

Soldering and wiring

Job description

Controls Technician (Starship Launch Pad)

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.

CONTROLS TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP LAUNCH PAD)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, datasheets/manuals, drawings, blueprints, and engineering sketches
• Adjust, repair or replace faulty components of ground hardware, test, and integration equipment
• Fabricate and install parts and systems used in launch environments using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments
• Connect and verify pressure transducers, thermocouples, and other sensors
• Install connectors, connector pins, terminals, and lugs
• Complete necessary wiring of the electrical ground support equipment for ground systems
• Collaborate with launch engineers to troubleshoot failures and issues derived from launch activities
• Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair and modify wiring of electronics racks and junction boxes
• Perform maintenance tasks as required in a variety of roles for vehicle integration, pad maintenance, site preventative maintenance, general facilities, and any other general maintenance work as required to maintain an operational launch site

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience designing, installing, or troubleshooting electrical control systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with any of the following instrumentation: Fluke multimeters, resistance temperature devices (RTDs), thermocouples, strain gages, load cells, displacement transducers, pressure transducers
• Ability to install, cut, thread and bend rigid conduit
• Experience using power tools in a professional capacity
• Experience with electronic system assembly and construction
• Working knowledge of programmable logic controller (PLC) Hardware, human machine interface (HMI), and/or graphical user interface (GUI)
• Intimate knowledge of electronic test equipment – Multimeters, Process Meters, Oscilloscopes
• Experience working at a rocket launch facility and supporting launch campaigns
• Basic knowledge of Wheatstone bridge theory, ability to apply Ohm’s law, and an understanding of direct current (DC) electronics
• Associate degree in instrumentation, control technology, electrical systems, or another related field
• Experience working in corrosive environments and mitigation techniques
• Operational knowledge of an oscilloscope, multimeter, soldering wires, connectors
• System-level troubleshooting skills and the ability to logically solve instrumentation system problems and determine corrective action
• Knowledge of signal conditioning concepts for various types of sensors to include the following: Thermocouple Types K, S, and E; thermal conductive (TC) bonding concepts: resistance weld-on and adhesive bond-on types; TC probes through thermowell sheaths; cold Junction compensation concepts
• Experience with the following devices: DC power supplies; DC-DC converters; uninterruptible power supply (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 strain gages are also highly desired. 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 of data acquisition concepts, hardware, and interfacing (SCXI and PXI-based)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends, as needed
• Must be able to work the follow shifts:
  • 1st Shift: Monday – Friday (7:00 AM – 5:30PM)
• Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 3 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 10 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 10 hours per day
• Kneel/Crouch: Up to 10 hours per day
• Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day
• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description
• Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review
• 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 Affi… or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].