Diamond Turning Machinist (Starshield)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 54,080 - 91,520; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long-term incentives

Stock options

401(k)

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

SpaceX is hiring a Diamond Turning Machinist (STARSHIELD) in Hawthorne, CA. The role focuses on operating CNC machines and diamond turning lathes, utilizing CMMs and Zygo interferometers, and collaborating with engineering and production teams.

The position requires flexibility for shifts, overtime, and travel for training, with a comprehensive benefits package including stock options, 401(k), and medical coverage.

Qualifications

• BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma or equivalency certificate; 6+ months operating CNC machines.
• PREFERRED SKILLS: 1+ year experience operating CNC machines; diamond turning lathe experience; sub-micron tolerance parts handling; CNC lathe setup; optics manufacturing and metrology understanding.

Responsibilities

• Follow defined work instructions, process controls, and maintain a safe work environment.
• Maintain maximum machine and work center uptime by identifying and reporting off-nominal issues and adhering to best practices.
• Use metrology tools including CMMs, optical microscopes, and Zygo interferometers.
• Change tools and tooling by following defined processes.
• Data entry, work tracking, and effective communication with production teams, engineering, and leadership.

Skills

CNC machines

Diamond turning lathes

Metrology

Process improvements

Sub-micron tolerance handling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CMMs

Optical microscopes

Zygo interferometers

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

DIAMOND TURNING MACHINIST (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on three areas: Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. Designed to meet diverse mission requirements, Starshield satellites are capable of integrating a wide variety of payloads, offering unique versatility to users. With the proven ability to iterate rapidly, SpaceX's unique full-stack approach in developing end-to-end systems, from launch vehicles to user terminals, enables the deployment of capabilities at scale with unprecedented speed. Starshield's proliferated low-Earth orbit architecture provides inherent resiliency and constant connectivity to on-orbit assets, while SpaceX's proven rapid launch capability provides expedient and economical access to space.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow defined work instructions, process controls, and maintaining a safe work environment
• Maintain maximum machine and work center up time by identifying and reporting off-nominal issues such as alarms, out of tolerance conditions, and actively maintaining best practices
• Use metrology, including CMM’s, optical microscopes, and Zygo interferometers
• Change tools and tooling by following defined processes
• Data entry, work tracking, and effective communication with production teams, engineering, and leadership

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 6+ months of experience operating CNC machines

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 1+ years of experience operating CNC machines
• Experience running diamond turning lathes
• Experience with sub-micron tolerance parts and how to handle/inspect them
• CNC Lathe setup experience
• Understanding of optics manufacturing and associated metrology
• Ability to provide feedback and suggest process improvements to production and engineering teams

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to stoop, bend, crawl, and able to maneuver in tight spaces
• Ability to work in an environment with repetitive movement, bending or twisting, using hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls, exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting
• Must be willing to work onsite in Hawthorne, CA
• Must be willing to travel for a few weeks a year for initial and ongoing training on machining equipment

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range:
Diamond Turning Machinist/Level 1: $26.00 - $32.00/hour
Diamond Turning Machinist/Level 2: $30.00 - $38.00/hour
Diamond Turning Machinist/Level 3: $35.00 - $44.00/hour

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

• 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 Affi­mate Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].