Controls Technician (Starship) - Level 4/5

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer is seeking a Controls Technician to read schematics and collaborate with engineers in troubleshooting. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience as a technician or similar role, with a high school diploma. Preferred candidates will have experience with power tools and electronic systems. The job requires physical capabilities and may involve shift work. The company promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a mechanic, technician, electrician, or construction worker.
• Experience with electronic system assembly and construction.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret planning documents and schematics.
• Repair faulty components of ground hardware and test equipment.
• Collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot issues.

Skills

Power tools usage

System-level troubleshooting

Knowledge of sensors

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Associate degree in instrumentation or related field

Tools

Oscilloscope

Multimeter

Job description

SpaceX Controls Technician (Starship) - Level 4/5

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is 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.

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
• 5+ years of experience as a mechanic, technician, electrician, or construction worker

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 3+ years of experience using power tools in a professional capacity
• 1+ years of experience with electronic system assembly and construction
• 3+ years of experience working with any of the following instrumentation: resistance temperature devices (RTDs), thermocouples, strain gages, load cells, displacement transducers, pressure transducers
• 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 including Thermocouple Types K, S, and E; TC bonding concepts such as resistance weld‑on and adhesive bond‑on types; TC probes through thermowell sheaths; cold junction compensation concepts
• Experience with DC power supplies; DC‑DC converters; uninterruptable power supply (UPS) installations; heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, lacing, and proper strain relief concepts
• Working knowledge of transducers, operational amplifiers, and measurement techniques for temperature, pressure, flow, displacement, vibration, and the application strain gages
• Working knowledge of multiple bus architectures and data communication technologies
• Knowledge of data acquisition concepts, hardware, and interfacing (SCXI and PXI based)

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work multiple shifts and change shifts with minimal notice; flexibility required
• Ability to travel to different sites, as needed, up to 20% travel
• 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
• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 10 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 6 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 for 6 hours or greater per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, 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 affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].