Data & Control Systems Technician

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; McGregor (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking a DATA & CONTROL SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN in McGregor, Texas. The technician will support the build-up and maintenance of data and control systems essential for safe access to space.

Successful candidates will maintain various instrumentation and controls, troubleshoot system failures, and perform inspections. A high school diploma and 2+ years of relevant experience are mandatory, along with the ability to work in extreme conditions.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience working with instrumentation.
• Ability to lift heavy objects, up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to obtain authorizations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, calibrate, configure, monitor, and repair instrumentation and controls.
• Investigate and troubleshoot system malfunctions.
• Work in extreme outdoor environments.

Skills

Experience with instrumentation such as pressure transducers

System-level troubleshooting skills

Basic knowledge of Wheatstone Bridge Theory

Operational knowledge of an oscilloscope

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

Multimeter

Oscilloscope

Soldering 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 of enabling human life on Mars.

DATA & CONTROL SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN

The data & control systems 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
• such as ohmmeters and sequential continuity checkers
• 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

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of experience working with instrumentation such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, flow meters, multimeters, or oscilloscopes

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)
• 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

• 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.