EDM Machinist (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Texas is seeking an EDM machinist to support Starlink production. You will create, program and operate sinker and wire EDM machines, CNC electrodes, and develop fixtures with the engineering team to meet tight tolerances and schedules.

The role demands strong EDM programming knowledge, electrode design capability, blueprint and GD&T literacy, and the ability to maintain and optimize machining processes while collaborating with engineers.

Qualifications

• 3+ years sinker EDM programming experience.
• 5+ years CNC EDM setup, operating, and basic programming experience.
• Experience reading blueprints and GD&T.
• Electrode development and electrode tooling experience.
• Familiarity with GF+ wire EDM machines and work holding.

Responsibilities

• Create, setup and operate sinker/wire EDM machines.
• Program/operate graphite CNC machining.
• Optimize electrode design with design team.
• Machine electrodes to tolerances and deadlines.
• Develop and optimize machining parameters for materials.
• Create fixturing to support EDM area.
• Perform preventive maintenance on EDM machines.
• Inspect tight tolerance parts with gauges and micrometers.

Skills

Sinker EDM programming

CNC EDM setup

Electrode design

Blueprint reading

GD&T knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

GF+ wire machines

System 3R work holding

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.

The EDM Machinists support the production of Starlink product, which is our solution to providing reliable internet to the entire world. We are looking for a talented EDM machinist to help us enable high scale production. The ideal candidate will have experience working with sinker EDM machines, which will create complex molds, die sets, and other parts.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create conversational programs, setup and/or operate sinker/wire EDM machines
• Program/operate graphite CNC machining
• Optimize electrode design with the design team
• Machine electrodes to required tolerances while meeting expected completion dates
• Develop, track, and optimize machining parameters for different materials
• Develop and make any required fixturing to support the EDM area
• Perform preventative maintenance of EDM machines as required
• Perform other various machining functions while machines are running to support the operations of the shop
• Measurement and inspection of tight tolerance parts using various gauges, indicators, and micrometers

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years sinker EDM programming experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years CNC EDM set-up, operating, and basic programming experience
• 1+ year experience CNC programming machining for electrodes
• 1+ year of pulling or designing electrodes
• Experience with CNC EDM hole drilling/hole popper setup
• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints and experience with GD&T
• Advanced knowledge of EDM programming
• Advanced knowledge of EDM work holding
• 5+ years of experience with GF+ wire machines
• Strong knowledge of cutting parameters for copper and graphite
• Ability to work closely with engineers and provide feedback
• Experience with system 3R work holding and robotics

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• Ability to work either 1st or 2nd shifts as well as overtime and weekends as needed; estimated shift times: 1st shift: 7:00 am - 5:30 pm; 2nd shift: 3:30 pm - 2:00 am (2nd shift hires will be required to onboard and meet occasionally on the 1st shift)
• 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 Affrimate Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail] .