Development Process Technician, Injection Molding (Starlink) - Level 4/5

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Bastrop, TX is hiring a Development Process Technician for their Injection Molding team. This role focuses on maintaining production uptime of automated injection molding machines and involves hands-on work on the manufacturing floor.

The ideal candidate should possess at least 5 years of experience in plastic injection molding, and responsibilities include installation of intelligent equipment and troubleshooting. The position may require overtime and week-end work when deadlines are critical.

Qualifications

• 5+ years plastic injection molding experience in a production environment.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.

Responsibilities

• Install and validate intelligent equipment for injection molding.
• Diagnose equipment failures and develop solutions.
• Participate in process development through experiments.

Skills

Plastic injection molding experience

Troubleshooting electrical systems

Understanding of robotics

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Job description

Development Process Technician, Injection Molding (Starlink) - Level 4/5

Bastrop, TX

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.

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS TECHNICIAN, INJECTION MOLDING - LEVEL 4/5

As a technician, you will be responsible for maintaining daily production uptime of fully automated injection molding machines, including all subsequent post‑mold operations. You will support planned and unplanned repairs, modifications, and upgrades of injection molding machines and peripheral equipment in the Injection Molding Starlink program. The goal of the team is to develop new manufacturing methods and qualify processes to be introduced into production. This position also involves proper documentation of process settings through setup sheets and maintenance of process books and their contents. Other tasks relevant to the technician process include overseeing analyses, participating in work instruction development projects, and training others as necessary. Work area will be on the manufacturing floor running plastic injection molding machines, fixing the machines, setting up/calibrating the machines, operating the machines, and documenting as required. This is a hands‑on production job that includes meeting goals for production, quality, inventory of both parts and raw material, and personnel aspects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Install, commission and validate intelligent equipment to support injection molding applications
• Participate in process development of the injection molding process through parameter optimization, DOE experiments, and trials that will lead to a robust process
• Oversee operator instructions, critical parameters, checklists and training materials for all molding operations, update special equipment service manuals including BOMs, drawings, wiring schematics, recommended needed processes, technical expertise, and tooling for optimization of production runs
• Update special equipment service manuals including BOMs, drawings, and wiring schematics Recommended needed processes, technical expertise, and tooling for optimization of production runs
• Work closely with product design engineering teams to define requirements
• Diagnose equipment failures, collect data to identify root causes and develop sustainable solutions

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 5+ years plastic injection molding experience in a production environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 7+ years plastic injection molding experience in a production environment
• 3+ years experience with highly automated injection molding cells
• 3+ years molding experience with Engel brand machines
• Experience of multi‑shot molding, automated color blending and central material drying system
• Experience in independently troubleshooting advanced electrical circuits, electronic systems, motors & starters, electrically operated equipment and making successful repairs and modifications
• Electrical wiring experience and some knowledge of how PLCs, sensors, and other electrical components are wired and work
• Strong skills in troubleshooting with scientific, Paulson, or RJG processes
• Able to interpret geometrical tolerances on part drawings
• Comprehensive knowledge and thorough understanding of robotics and auxiliary equipment used with plastics Injection molding machines
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Office, and Word

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work the following hours:
  • Monday to Friday from 5:00AM to 5:30PM
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
• Standing/walking for long periods of time
• Ability to work overtime and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
• 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].